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