Scientific Method Quiz

Why do scientists complete background research before designing their experiment?

To understand existing knowledge gaps from an informed hypothesis and learn from successful or problematic pasts.

What is a hypothesis?

An educated guess or prediction

Write your own hypothesis:

If a plant is given a specific fertilizer, then it will grow taller, and have more leaves than a plant with no fertilizer.

Independent variable

What is changed in an experiment

Dependent variable

What is measured

Can an experiment have more than one variable? why or why not?

One independent variable so the results are clear and reliable.

Control

The group in an experiment that doesn't receive the independent variable

Constants

All the factors in an experiment that must be kept the same so they do not affect the results.

Why don't scientists always have hundreds of repeated trials and create experiments that last for years?

Because experiments take time, money, and resources, and scientists need results in a reasonable amount of time to share and build on their research.

What is an observation?

Using your senses or tools to gather information about something.

Qualitative observation

Describes qualities or characteristics using words.

Quantitative observation

Describes using numbers and a label.

Why are graphs useful to scientists?

Because they organize data visually, making patterns, trends, and relationships easier to see and understand.

Line graph

Shows how data changes over time or in response to another variable, using points connected by lines.

Bar graph

Uses bars of different lengths to compare amounts or categories.

Pie chart

Circular graph that shows how parts make up a whole, with each slice representing a percentage of the total.

What causes errors in an experiment?

Mistakes, equipment limits, or uncontrolled variables that affect results.

Systematic error

A consistent, repeatable mistake in an experiment caused by faulty equipment or biased methods.

Random error

An unpredictable variation in an experiment caused by chance or small uncontrollable factors.

What is a research abstract and why are they used?

A brief summary of a study, used to quickly show the purpose, methods, and results to help readers decide if they want to read the full paper.

Why do scientists recommend future research for themselves or other scientists at the end of their scientific papers?

To explore unanswered questions, improve methods, or expand on findings.

What is the purpose of the scientific method?

To systematically investigate questions, solve problems, and gain reliable knowledge.