Question

you want to design an experiment to see if birds will choose feeders based on color. you choose 3 the bird feeders: purple, red, and blue. with this statement, fill in the following blanks:
hypotheses:

• null (h₀) hypothesis:

birds have no color preferences for feeders.

• first alternative (h₁) hypothesis:

birds prefer red feeders.

• second alternative (h₂) hypothesis:

birds prefer blue feeders.

• third alternative (h₃) hypothesis:

birds prefer purple feeders.
variables:

• independent variable:

the color of the feeder.

• dependent variable:

whether or not birds choose the feeder.
constants and controls:

• constants (list as many that you can think of):
• controls (negative/positive):

negative —
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Explanation:

Constants:

To identify constants, we consider factors that should remain the same to ensure a fair test. These factors should not influence the birds' choice of feeder color.

• Type of bird feeder (excluding color): The shape, size, material, and design of the feeders (other than color) should be identical. This ensures that any preference shown by the birds is due to color and not other feeder characteristics.
• Type of birdseed: The same type, quantity, and quality of birdseed should be used in each feeder. Different seeds might attract birds more or less, so keeping this constant isolates the effect of color.
• Location of feeders: The feeders should be placed in the same location (e.g., same tree, same height, same distance from cover) to avoid environmental factors (like sunlight, wind, or proximity to shelter) influencing the birds’ choices.
• Time of day/weather conditions: Conducting the experiment at the same time of day and under similar weather conditions (e.g., same temperature, no rain) ensures external factors don’t affect bird behavior.

Controls:

• Negative Control: A negative control would be a feeder with a color that is not expected to attract birds (or a “neutral” color, though neutrality is subjective). For example, a feeder with a color like brown (which blends with natural surroundings) could be used to see if birds avoid it, confirming that color (not just the presence of a feeder) drives their choice.
• Positive Control: A positive control could be a feeder with a color known to attract birds (e.g., red, if prior knowledge suggests birds are attracted to red). This helps validate that the experimental setup works (i.e., birds do visit feeders) and provides a baseline for comparison with the test colors (purple, red, blue).

Final Answers (for Constants and Controls):

Constants:

• Type of bird feeder (shape, size, material)
• Type/quantity of birdseed
• Feeder location (height, tree, proximity to cover)
• Time of day/weather conditions

Controls:

• Negative Control: Feeder with a “neutral” color (e.g., brown) to test if color (not just the feeder) matters.
• Positive Control: Feeder with a known attractive color (e.g., red) to validate the experiment works.

Answer:

Constants:

To identify constants, we consider factors that should remain the same to ensure a fair test. These factors should not influence the birds' choice of feeder color.

• Type of bird feeder (excluding color): The shape, size, material, and design of the feeders (other than color) should be identical. This ensures that any preference shown by the birds is due to color and not other feeder characteristics.
• Type of birdseed: The same type, quantity, and quality of birdseed should be used in each feeder. Different seeds might attract birds more or less, so keeping this constant isolates the effect of color.
• Location of feeders: The feeders should be placed in the same location (e.g., same tree, same height, same distance from cover) to avoid environmental factors (like sunlight, wind, or proximity to shelter) influencing the birds’ choices.
• Time of day/weather conditions: Conducting the experiment at the same time of day and under similar weather conditions (e.g., same temperature, no rain) ensures external factors don’t affect bird behavior.

Controls:

• Negative Control: A negative control would be a feeder with a color that is not expected to attract birds (or a “neutral” color, though neutrality is subjective). For example, a feeder with a color like brown (which blends with natural surroundings) could be used to see if birds avoid it, confirming that color (not just the presence of a feeder) drives their choice.
• Positive Control: A positive control could be a feeder with a color known to attract birds (e.g., red, if prior knowledge suggests birds are attracted to red). This helps validate that the experimental setup works (i.e., birds do visit feeders) and provides a baseline for comparison with the test colors (purple, red, blue).

Final Answers (for Constants and Controls):

Constants:

• Type of bird feeder (shape, size, material)
• Type/quantity of birdseed
• Feeder location (height, tree, proximity to cover)
• Time of day/weather conditions

Controls:

• Negative Control: Feeder with a “neutral” color (e.g., brown) to test if color (not just the feeder) matters.
• Positive Control: Feeder with a known attractive color (e.g., red) to validate the experiment works.