Q: Which equation correctly calculates the mean (average) of a data set?

$$\text{Mean} = \frac{\sum x}{n}$$

Q: Which formula is used to calculate the standard deviation of a sample?

$$\text{SD} = \sqrt{\frac{\sum (x - \bar{x})^2$}{n - 1}}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes a hypothesis in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

A tentative answer to a well-framed question that must be falsifiable.

Question 2

In an experiment testing the effect of water on seed sprouting, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of water added to each pot.

Question 3

Which equation correctly calculates the mean (average) of a data set?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Mean} = \frac{\sum x}{n}$$

Question 4

What is the primary difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

Accepted Answer

A theory is broader in scope, generates new hypotheses, and is supported by a large body of evidence.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

Accepted Answer

The color of a flower described as 'red'.

Question 6

If you want to determine whether brightly colored chicks are fed more often by their parents, which is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The feeding rate of the chicks.

Question 7

Which formula is used to calculate the standard deviation of a sample?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{SD} = \sqrt{\frac{\sum (x - \bar{x})^2$}{n - 1}}$$

Question 8

In the context of the scientific method, what is the role of a control group?

Accepted Answer

To serve as a baseline for comparison by receiving no treatment.

Question 9

Which reasoning method involves drawing general conclusions from specific observations?

Accepted Answer

Inductive reasoning.

Question 10

A student collects data on the heights of tomato plants after 4 weeks. What type of data is this?

Accepted Answer

Quantitative, continuous

Question 11

Which of the following is a falsifiable hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

All swans are white.

Question 12

What is the correct formula for the standard error of the mean?

Accepted Answer

$$SE = \frac{\sigma}{\sqrt{n}}$$

Question 13

Which of the following would increase the standard error of the mean?

Accepted Answer

Increasing the standard deviation.

Question 14

In the flashlight example, which step of the scientific method is represented by replacing the bulb and observing if the flashlight works?

Accepted Answer

Testing the hypothesis by experiment.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring contradictory evidence.

Question 16

A researcher wants to know if a new fertilizer affects plant growth. What is the experimental group?

Accepted Answer

Plants that receive the new fertilizer.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes a prediction in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

An expected outcome if the hypothesis is true.

Question 18

If the mean height of tomato plants in the 'Full Water' group is 23 cm and the standard deviation is 4 cm, what does the standard deviation represent?

Accepted Answer

The spread of plant heights around the mean.

Question 19

Which of the following is an example of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

Knowing all mammals have hair, and concluding that a whale (a mammal) has hair.

Question 20

Why must a hypothesis be falsifiable?

Accepted Answer

So it can be tested and potentially shown to be incorrect.

The Scientific Method: Foundations of Scientific Inquiry

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