Question

1. which of the following is not a step in the scientific method?

• a. asking a question
• b. forming a hypothesis
• c. accepting results without verification
• d. analyzing data

1. when designing an experiment, what is the purpose of a control group?

• a. to speed up the experimental process
• b. to provide a basis for comparison with the experimental group
• c. to ensure the experiment is complicated enough
• d. to make the results more interesting

1. what is a hypothesis?

• a. a proven scientific fact
• b. a testable prediction or explanation
• c. the final conclusion of an experiment
• d. a random guess with no evidence

1. which of the following is an example of qualitative data?

• a. the temperature increased by 5°c
• b. the plant grew 3.2 cm in one week
• c. the solution turned from clear to blue

Explanation:

• Question 2: The scientific method involves steps like asking a question, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments (which includes analyzing data), and verifying results. Accepting results without verification is not a valid step.
• Question 3: A control group in an experiment is used to provide a baseline for comparison with the experimental group. It helps in determining if the changes observed in the experimental group are due to the variable being tested.
• Question 4: A hypothesis is a testable prediction or explanation. It is not a proven fact (that would be a theory after extensive testing), not the final conclusion (which comes after analyzing data from testing the hypothesis), and not a random guess (it is based on prior knowledge or observation).
• Question 5: Qualitative data describes qualities or characteristics. Options a and b are quantitative data (involving numbers - temperature increase and plant growth measurement). Option c describes a change in color (a quality), which is qualitative data.

Answer:

1. C. Accepting results without verification
2. B. To provide a basis for comparison with the experimental group
3. B. A testable prediction or explanation
4. C. The solution turned from clear to blue