Question

chapter 1 test review - the nature of science

1. define the following terms:

hypothesis
experiment
independent variable
dependent variable

1. when designing an experiment, the first step is to _

a. state a hypothesis c. state the problem
b. list a procedure d. analyze the data

1. a standard for comparison that helps to ensure that the experimental result is caused by the condition being tested is the _

a. control b. independent variable c. constant d. dependent variable

1. a factor that changes in an experiment from manipulation of the independent variable is the _

a. control b. hypothesis c. constant d. dependent variable

1. a factor that does not change in an experiment is the _

a. control b. independent variable c. constant d. dependent variable

1. an organized process used to gather observations and test a hypothesis is a(n) _

a. problem b. experiment c. exercise d. constant

1. a statement that describes what happens in nature is a _

a. scientific law b. hypothesis c. theory d. variable

1. an explanation of an event that is based on repeated observation and experiments.

a. problem b. hypothesis c. theory d. variable

1. an idea, event, or object that can be used to represent something you are trying to explain is a _

a. model b. constant c. hypothesis d. variable

Explanation:

1. hypothesis: A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting - point for further investigation.
2. experiment: A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact.
3. independent variable: The variable that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test the effects on the dependent variable.
4. dependent variable: The variable being tested and measured in a scientific experiment, which is 'dependent' on the independent variable.
5. Answer to question 2: The first step in designing an experiment is to state the problem. This defines the purpose of the experiment. So the answer is c.
6. Answer to question 3: A control is a standard for comparison that helps ensure the experimental result is caused by the condition being tested. So the answer is a.
7. Answer to question 4: A factor that changes in an experiment due to manipulation of the independent variable is the dependent variable. So the answer is d.
8. Answer to question 5: A factor that does not change in an experiment is the constant. So the answer is c.
9. Answer to question 6: An organized process used to gather observations and test a hypothesis is an experiment. So the answer is b.
10. Answer to question 7: A statement that describes what happens in nature is a scientific law. So the answer is a.
11. Answer to question 8: An explanation of an event based on repeated observation and experiments is a theory. So the answer is c.
12. Answer to question 9: An idea, event, or object that can be used to represent something you are trying to explain is a model. So the answer is a.

Answer:

1. Hypothesis: A proposed explanation based on limited evidence.
2. Experiment: A scientific procedure for discovery or hypothesis - testing.
3. Independent variable: Variable that is changed or controlled.
4. Dependent variable: Variable being tested, depends on the independent variable.
5. 2. c. state the problem
6. 3. a. control
7. 4. d. dependent variable
8. 5. c. constant
9. 6. b. experiment
10. 7. a. Scientific law
11. 8. c. theory
12. 9. a. model