Biology SOL Unit 1.3 - Data Collection and Analysis

What is the role of a control in an experiment?

• It is the variable that is manipulated.

• It is the normal situation for comparison.

• It is the effect of manipulating the independent variable.

• It is the number of times an experiment is repeated.

Answer explanation

The control in an experiment serves as the normal situation for comparison, allowing researchers to determine the effect of the manipulated variable by contrasting it with the control condition.

What is a constant in an experiment?

• The variable that is manipulated

• The normal situation for comparison

• What remains the same throughout an experiment

• The number of times an experiment is repeated

Answer explanation

In an experiment, a constant refers to the factors that remain unchanged throughout the study. This ensures that any observed effects can be attributed to the manipulated variable, making the results more reliable.

Match each experimental term with its correct definition.

• Independent variable

• What remains the same throughout an experiment

• Trials

• The variable that is manipulated

• Control group

• The number of times an experiment is repeated

• Constant

• The normal situation for comparison

Answer explanation

Trials in an experiment refer to the number of times the experiment is repeated. This repetition helps ensure that the results are reliable and can be generalized.

Based on the picture, what is the dependent variable?

• Type of plant

• Type of lightbulb

• Number of drops of fertilizer

• Height of the plants

Answer explanation

The dependent variable is what is measured in an experiment. In this case, the height of the plants is affected by the type of plant, type of lightbulb, and number of drops of fertilizer, making it the dependent variable.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Match the following terms with their correct definitions related to data collection.

• Independent variable

• How close together your data/results are

• Repetition

• How close your data/results are to the expected result

• Precision

• The number of times an experiment is repeated

• Accuracy

• The variable that is manipulated

Answer explanation

Precision in data collection refers to how close together your data/results are. It indicates the consistency of measurements, regardless of whether they are close to the expected result.

What is accuracy in data collection?

• How close your data/results are to the expected result

• How close together your data/results are

• The number of times an experiment is repeated

• The variable that is manipulated

Answer explanation

Accuracy in data collection refers to how close your data/results are to the expected result. This means that accurate data reflects the true value or outcome that is intended to be measured.

What is a line graph used for?

• Comparing numeric values

• Illustrating trends over time

• Displaying data in a circular format

Answer explanation

A line graph is primarily used for illustrating trends over time, as it effectively shows how values change at different points, making it ideal for tracking progress or patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Which axis is the independent variable typically plotted on in a graph?

• X-axis

• Y-axis

• Z-axis

Answer explanation

The independent variable is typically plotted on the X-axis in a graph, while the dependent variable is plotted on the Y-axis. This convention helps in clearly distinguishing the relationship between the two variables.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

In the experiment shown, Plant A received 50 mL of Pepsi each day, Plant B received 50 mL of apple juice, and Plant C received 50 mL of water.  Every day for one week, plant growth was measured.  The group that served as the control group was (a)   .

• Plant A
• Plant B
• Plant C
• There is no control group.

Answer explanation

Plant C served as the control group because it received water, which is a neutral substance. This allows for comparison against the effects of Pepsi and apple juice on Plant A and Plant B.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

The accepted value is 2.56. Which set of experimental data is most precise but least accurate?

• 2.56, 2.73, 2.37

• 2.56, 2.52, 2.59

• 2.36, 2.35, 2.37

• 2.57, 2.92, 2.34

Answer explanation

The set 2.36, 2.35, 2.37 is the most precise as the values are very close to each other, but they are least accurate since they are farther from the accepted value of 2.56 compared to the other sets.