All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What is the main objective of a control in an experiment?
Answer: To provide a baseline for comparison. Shows what happens without experimental treatment.
Flashcard 2: What is the range of the data set: 4, 7, 1, 9, 3?
Answer:
- Largest minus smallest value: 9 - 1 = 8.
Flashcard 3: Which method is used to ensure random assignment in an experiment?
Answer: Randomization. Eliminates bias by randomly assigning subjects.
Flashcard 4: What does it mean if a graph shows a linear relationship between variables?
Answer: The variables change at an approximately constant rate. Data points form a straight line pattern.
Flashcard 5: Which phase of the scientific method involves testing a hypothesis?
Answer: Experimentation. Controlled tests determine if hypotheses are supported.
Flashcard 6: What is the median of the data set: 3, 8, 2, 5, 9?
Answer:
- Middle value when ordered: 2, 3, 5, 8, 9.
Flashcard 7: Identify the type of error that occurs when a measurement is consistently off by the same amount.
Answer: Systematic error. Consistent bias in one direction affects all measurements.
Flashcard 8: What is the purpose of a hypothesis in an experiment?
Answer: To propose a testable explanation or prediction. It guides the experiment and can be tested.
Flashcard 9: Which statistical measure indicates the spread of a data set?
Answer: Standard deviation. Measures how far data points vary from the mean.
Flashcard 10: Choose the correct term: Variable that responds to changes.
Answer: Dependent variable. Responds to changes in independent variables.
Flashcard 11: Identify the error in this experiment: No control variables used.
Answer: Introduce control variables to maintain constant conditions. Control variables prevent confounding of results.
Flashcard 12: Which method is used to ensure random assignment in an experiment?
Answer: Randomization. Eliminates bias by randomly assigning subjects.
Flashcard 13: What does it mean if a graph shows a linear relationship between variables?
Answer: The variables change at an approximately constant rate. Data points form a straight line pattern.
Flashcard 14: What does it mean if an experiment is 'replicable'?
Answer: It can be repeated with similar results. Other researchers get consistent results using same methods.
Flashcard 15: What is the role of peer review in scientific research?
Answer: To evaluate and validate research findings. Experts check research quality before publication.
Flashcard 16: What is the median of the data set: 3, 8, 2, 5, 9?
Answer:
- Middle value when ordered: 2, 3, 5, 8, 9.
Flashcard 17: State the formula for calculating the mean of a data set.
Answer: Mean=Number of data pointsSum of all data points. Add all values and divide by the count.
Flashcard 18: Which graph type is most suitable for displaying trends over time?
Answer: Line graph. Shows continuous data changes over time periods.
Flashcard 19: What term describes a factor that is kept constant to prevent influence on the outcome?
Answer: Controlled variable. These factors must remain constant to ensure valid results.
Flashcard 20: Identify the control group in an experiment testing a new drug's effectiveness.
Answer: Group receiving placebo. This group receives no treatment for comparison.
Flashcard 21: What is the independent variable in an experiment measuring plant growth with different fertilizers?
Answer: Type of fertilizer. This is what the researcher changes or manipulates.
Flashcard 22: Which type of graph is best for comparing categories?
Answer: Bar graph. Best for discrete categories or groups.
Flashcard 23: What is a double-blind experiment?
Answer: Neither participants nor researchers know assigned groups. Prevents bias from expectations affecting results.
Flashcard 24: What is the primary function of a hypothesis?
Answer: To provide a basis for experimental testing. Creates testable predictions for experiments to verify.
Flashcard 25: Which variable is manipulated to test its effect on another variable?
Answer: Independent variable. The researcher controls and changes this factor.
Flashcard 26: What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
Answer: To survey existing research and identify gaps. Examines previous studies to build research foundation.
Flashcard 27: What is the primary reason for conducting a pilot study?
Answer: To test feasibility and refine methodology. Small trial run identifies problems before main study.
Flashcard 28: What is the term for a testable statement or prediction in research?
Answer: Hypothesis. Proposed explanation that can be experimentally tested.
Flashcard 29: Identify the variable that is measured in an experiment.
Answer: Dependent variable. This responds to changes in the independent variable.
Flashcard 30: What does a p-value indicate in hypothesis testing?
Answer: Probability of observing results as extreme as the observed. Lower p-values suggest results are not due to chance.