Question 1

Which of the following best describes the correct sequence of steps in the scientific method as outlined in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

Observation → Question → Hypothesis → Prediction → Test

Question 2

A scientist observes that a plant grows faster when exposed to blue light. She forms a hypothesis and predicts that blue light increases the rate of photosynthesis. She then tests this prediction. If her results do not support the hypothesis, what should she do next according to the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Revise or create a new hypothesis.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

The growth of the plant (measured in height or mass)

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a standardized variable in an experiment testing the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Accepted Answer

The type of enzyme used

Question 5

Why are standardized variables important in experimental design?

Accepted Answer

They ensure that only the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Question 6

A researcher predicts that increasing the amount of sunlight will increase the rate of photosynthesis in a plant. In this experiment, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of sunlight

Question 7

Which of the following best defines a hypothesis in the context of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A testable explanation for an observation

Question 8

If a scientist’s prediction is not supported by the results of an experiment, what is the next logical step?

Accepted Answer

Revise the hypothesis or create a new one

Question 9

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the use of a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

A scientist measures the height of plants after applying different fertilizers.

Question 10

In an experiment, which variable is manipulated by the scientist to test its effect on another variable?

Accepted Answer

Independent variable

Question 11

A student wants to test if the type of music affects plant growth. She uses the same type of plant, soil, and amount of water for all groups. What are the standardized variables in this experiment?

Accepted Answer

Type of plant, soil, and amount of water

Question 12

Which of the following statements about predictions in the scientific method is correct?

Accepted Answer

Predictions are based on the hypothesis and state what will happen if the hypothesis is correct.

Question 13

A scientist is testing the effect of pH on enzyme activity. She keeps temperature, enzyme concentration, and substrate concentration constant. Which variable is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

pH

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why it is important to plan a valid experiment?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that the results can support or not support the hypothesis

Question 15

In a medical study testing a new drug, what would be an example of a dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The improvement in patient symptoms

The Scientific Method and Experimental Design in Biology

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards