Scientific Method Quiz

What is the first step of the scientific method?

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Collecting data

• Asking a question

• Drawing conclusions

Answer explanation

The first step of the scientific method is asking a question. This step identifies the problem or area of interest that will guide the research process, leading to further investigation and experimentation.

Which of the following is an example of a testable question?

• What is the meaning of life?

• How does the color of light affect plant growth?

• Why do people dream?

• Is there a connection between astrology and personality?

Answer explanation

The question 'How does the color of light affect plant growth?' is testable because it can be investigated through experiments. The other options are philosophical or subjective and cannot be tested scientifically.

What is the purpose of conducting background research in the scientific method?

• To collect data for analysis

• To validate the hypothesis

• To gain a better understanding of the topic

• To determine the control variables

Answer explanation

Conducting background research helps to gain a better understanding of the topic, which is essential for formulating a strong hypothesis and designing an effective experiment.

Which of the following sources is typically considered the most reliable for background research in scientific inquiry?

• Personal blogs

• Scientific journals

• Social media posts

• Wikipedia articles

Answer explanation

Scientific journals are peer-reviewed and provide reliable, validated research findings, making them the most trustworthy source for background research in scientific inquiry compared to personal blogs, social media, or Wikipedia.

What is a hypothesis?

• A proven fact

• A proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon

• A theory that has been extensively tested

• A collection of data

Answer explanation

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon, not a proven fact or a theory. It serves as a starting point for further investigation and testing.

Which of the following is an example of a well-constructed hypothesis?

• "All birds can fly."

• "Increasing temperature will accelerate the rate of ice melting."

• "Humans only use 10% of their brains."

• "Lightning never strikes the same place twice."

Answer explanation

The hypothesis "Increasing temperature will accelerate the rate of ice melting" is testable and specific, making it a well-constructed hypothesis. The other options are either too broad or incorrect.

In an experiment, which group receives the treatment being tested?

• Control group

• Experimental group

• Dependent group

• Variable group

Answer explanation

The experimental group is the one that receives the treatment being tested in an experiment, allowing researchers to observe the effects of the treatment compared to the control group, which does not receive the treatment.

What is the purpose of having a control group in an experiment?

• To compare results with an untreated group

• To apply the treatment to observe its effects

• To introduce variability into the experiment

• To serve as the dependent variable

Answer explanation

The purpose of having a control group is to compare results with an untreated group. This allows researchers to determine the effect of the treatment by observing differences between the control and experimental groups.

After conducting an experiment, what is the next step in the scientific method?

• Formulate a hypothesis

• Analyze the data and draw a conclusion

• Conduct background research

• Ask a question

Answer explanation

After conducting an experiment, the next step is to analyze the data and draw a conclusion. This allows you to interpret the results and determine if they support your hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

What does it mean to draw a conclusion in the scientific method?

• To end the experiment

• To make assumptions without evidence

• To interpret the results based on data

• To propose a new hypothesis

Answer explanation

To draw a conclusion in the scientific method means to interpret the results based on data collected during the experiment, allowing researchers to understand the implications of their findings.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-5

NGSS.HS-LS3-2