1.2 Assignment "The Scientific Method"

basic research

research that expands knowledge in a particular area

applied research

research that results in a product that can be sold for profit

In an experiment, the hypothesis is If the wavelength of the light shining on a plant is shortened, the rate of photosynthesis is slowed down. If this experiment is performed, the dependent variable _____. a. will be the wavelength of the light b. will be the plant on which the light is shining c. will be the rate of photosynthesis d. cannot be determined

c. will be the rate of photosynthesis

empirical evidence

observational evidence

Match the following steps in the scientific method to their definitions. 1. research the problem 2. organize data 3. design an experiment 4. hypothesis 5. choose a problem

1. use reliable sources, talk to experts, and take notes 2. create charts or graphs to display the results 3. set up a procedure for testing your ideas; include variables and controls 4. must be testable and falsifiable 5. come up with a question that can be answered

hypothesis

a proposed explanation for a scientific problem that itself can be tested by experimentation

control

a quantity in an experiment that remains unchanged or constant

Which of the following is the least reliable source of background information for a scientific project? a. general Internet site b. government Internet site c. library reserve section d. scientific journal

a. general internet site

In an experiment, the hypothesis is If the wavelength of the light shining on a plant is shortened, the rate of photosynthesis is slowed down. If this experiment is performed, the independent variable _____. a. will be the wavelength of the light b. will be the plant on which the light is shining c. will be the rate of photosynthesis d. cannot be determined

a. will be the wavelength of the light

Which of the following is an example of applied research? a. evaluating the effectiveness of chemotherapy for cancer patients b. producing a new drug to lower blood pressure c. researching the relationship between exposure to UV rays and skin cancer d. all of the above

b. producing a new drug to lower blood pressure

Which of the following would be an example of basic research? a. Edison's research that led to inventing the light bulb. b. Morrison and Franscioni's research done to create the Frisbee. c. Newton's discoveries of the laws of motion. d. Spencer's research that led to the invention of the microwave oven.

c. Newton's discoveries of the laws of motion.

In an experiment, the hypothesis is If the wavelength of the light shining on a plant is shortened, the rate of photosynthesis is slowed down. This hypothesis is _____. a. testable b. falsifiable c. both of the above d. none of the above

c. both of the above

If a hypothesis is falsifiable, _____. a. it is wrong b. it might be wrong c. it must be possible to prove it wrong d. it is correct

c. it must be possible to prove it wrong

Which of the following is a good scientific hypothesis? a. Plants grow towards windows because the sun provides the food they need. b. If sunlight causes skin cancer, then people should stay out of the sun. c. Plants that don't get sunlight will die. d. If a plant is exposed to only blue light, the plant will grow more slowly.

d. If a plant is exposed to only blue light, the plant will grow more slowly.

In an experiment, the hypothesis is If the wavelength of the light shining on a plant is shortened, the rate of photosynthesis is slowed down. If this experiment is performed, _____. a. the rate of photosynthesis will increase b. the plant will die c. the rate of photosynthesis will slow down d. the result can be determined

d. the result can be determined

dependent variable

the experimental factor that changes in response to a change in the independent variable

independent variable

the experimental factor that is changed by the scientist