Scientific Method Practice Quiz

What is a hypothesis in a scientific experiment?

• A guess that can't be tested

• A detailed plan of the experiment

• A testable prediction

• The outcome of an experiment

Answer explanation

A hypothesis in a scientific experiment is a testable prediction, not just a guess. It is a statement that can be tested through experimentation to determine its validity.

Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?

• To show what happens when you apply the treatment

• To have a group to perform the experiment on

• To compare the results with the experimental group

• To control the variables in the experiment

Answer explanation

Having a control group is important to compare the results with the experimental group and determine the effectiveness of the treatment.

Tags

NGSS.3-5-ETS1-3

What is the purpose of an experiment in the scientific method?

• To prove the hypothesis is correct

• To test the hypothesis

• To collect data without a hypothesis

• To demonstrate known facts

Answer explanation

The purpose of an experiment in the scientific method is to test the hypothesis, not to prove it correct. Experiments are conducted to gather data and evidence to support or refute the hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What do you do when you analyze your data in a scientific experiment?

• Guess the results

• Compare the hypothesis to popular theories

• Examine and interpret the data collected

• Change the hypothesis to fit the data

Answer explanation

Data analysis in a scientific experiment involves examining and interpreting the data collected, not guessing results or changing the hypothesis to fit the data.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is provided in a conclusion?

• A new hypothesis based on the experiment

• If the hypothesis was supported or not

• The process of collecting data

Answer explanation

A conclusion in a scientific experiment is a decision on whether the hypothesis was supported or not, based on the data collected.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What is an independent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is measured

• The variable that is kept the same

• The variable that is changed by the scientist

• The outcome of the experiment

Answer explanation

The independent variable in an experiment is the variable that is changed by the scientist, not the one that is measured or kept the same.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What is a dependent variable in an experiment?

• The variable that is changed by the scientist

• The variable that is kept the same

• The variable that is measured

• The hypothesis of the experiment

Answer explanation

The dependent variable in an experiment is the variable that is measured to observe the effect of the independent variable, making it the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What is the purpose of the procedure in an experiment?

• To decide what data to collect

• To create a hypothesis

• The procedure tells you what to do

• The procedure tells you what materials you need

Answer explanation

Designing an experiment involves planning how to test the hypothesis, which includes determining the variables, controls, and procedures to ensure accurate results.

What is the experimental group?

• The group that makes all the data

• The group that gets the dependent variable

• Provides data for the hypothesis

• The group being tested

Answer explanation

The experimental group receives the variable being tested to compare its effects with the control group, helping to determine the impact of the variable on the experiment's outcome.

Why is it important to repeat an experiment?

• To use up materials

• To ensure the results are legitimate

• To change the hypothesis

• To make the experiment longer

Answer explanation

Repeating an experiment helps ensure the results are accurate by verifying the consistency and reliability of the findings.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4