Question 1

Which of the following best describes the difference between a scientific hypothesis and a scientific theory?

Accepted Answer

A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested, while a theory is a well-supported and broad explanation for a range of phenomena.

Question 2

In a controlled experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, which variable is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of fertilizer applied

Question 3

A scientist wants to test whether camouflage helps mice avoid predation. She places light and dark models of mice in both beach and inland habitats and records the number of attacks. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

The number of predation attacks on the mouse models

Question 4

Which of the following is a characteristic of a good scientific table?

Accepted Answer

It has informative overall titles and clear labels for columns and rows.

Question 5

A graph shows the effect of fertilizer on the growth of corn plants. The data points form a straight line with a positive slope. Which equation best describes the relationship between fertilizer dose ($x$) and plant height ($y$)?

Accepted Answer

$y = mx + b$

Question 6

Which of the following statements about scientific hypotheses is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Hypotheses must be testable and falsifiable.

Question 7

In an experiment, a scientist wants to test the effect of temperature on enzyme activity. She keeps the pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration constant. What are these constant factors called?

Accepted Answer

Controlled variables

Question 8

Which of the following best illustrates the use of correlational evidence in science?

Accepted Answer

Observing that higher atmospheric $CO_2$ levels are associated with higher global temperatures.

Question 9

A scientist collects data on the relationship between atmospheric $CO_2$ concentration and global temperature. She finds that as $CO_2$ increases, temperature also increases. What type of correlation is this?

Accepted Answer

Positive correlation

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for a good scientific graph?

Accepted Answer

Omitting the dependent variable from the axes

Question 11

A scientist wants to test the hypothesis that whales migrate because their food supply changes seasonally. Which of the following would be the best way to test this hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Observe whale migration patterns and food supply changes over several years.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a generalization in biology?

Accepted Answer

All plants require sunlight for photosynthesis.

Question 13

Why must scientific experiments be repeated before generalizations can be made?

Accepted Answer

To ensure results are not due to random chance and can be reliably generalized.

Question 14

Which of the following is a primary source in scientific research?

Accepted Answer

A peer-reviewed journal article presenting original experimental data.

Question 15

A scientist is designing an experiment to test the effect of a new drug on blood pressure. She divides participants into two groups: one receives the drug, the other receives a placebo. What is the purpose of the placebo group?

Accepted Answer

To act as a controlled variable and account for the effects of receiving treatment.

Question 16

Which of the following is the best example of a controlled variable in an experiment testing the effect of light on plant growth?

Accepted Answer

The amount of water each plant receives

Question 17

A scientist finds a strong correlation between smoking and lung cancer rates. Why can't she conclude that smoking causes lung cancer based on this evidence alone?

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not establish causation; other factors may be involved.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key feature of discovery science?

Accepted Answer

Making observations and finding patterns in natural phenomena.

Question 19

A student is asked to summarize the pattern shown in a graph of fertilizer dose versus corn plant height. Which of the following is the most effective summary?

Accepted Answer

As fertilizer dose increases, corn plant height increases.

The Scientific Method Lab 5

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards