Question

which statement best describes a benefit of conducting a comparative investigation over collecting data from the internet?
a comparative investigation can be repeated in a short time while collecting the continuous data from the internet takes longer.
conducting a comparative investigation is always less expensive than an investigation in which data is obtained from the internet.
conducting a comparative investigation is always less time consuming than obtaining data from the internet.
a comparative investigation can provide a wider range of data than can be obtained from the internet.

Explanation:

• Option A:
• In a comparative investigation, experiments can be set up and repeated relatively quickly. For example, if comparing the growth of two plant species under different light conditions, the experiment can be reset and repeated. On the other hand, collecting continuous data from the Internet (e.g., real - time weather data over a long period) often requires waiting for the data to be updated over time, which can take longer.
• Option B:
• Comparative investigations can sometimes be expensive (e.g., if it involves traveling to different locations to collect samples for comparison). While some online data sources are free, some may require subscriptions or access fees. So, it's not always the case that a comparative investigation is less expensive.
• Option C:
• Comparative investigations may involve multiple steps like sample collection, setting up experimental conditions, etc. which can be time - consuming. And some online data can be quickly downloaded (if already aggregated). So, it's not always less time - consuming.
• Option D:
• The Internet has a vast amount of data from multiple sources. A single - site comparative investigation is limited by the samples or data points it can collect. So, it cannot provide a wider range of data than the Internet.

Answer:

A. A comparative investigation can be repeated in a short time while collecting the continuous data from the Internet takes longer.