Alex is interested in how different types of fertilizers affect the growth of tomato plants. He decides to apply different fertilizers to separate groups of plants and measure their growth over several weeks. Would Alex’s statistical question best be answered by an experimental study?(2 points)

Question

Responses

Yes, because Alex is manipulating the type of fertilizer to observe its effect on plant growth.
Yes, because Alex is manipulating the type of fertilizer to observe its effect on plant growth.

No, because Alex is simply observing how the plants grow under different conditions.
No, because Alex is simply observing how the plants grow under different conditions.

Yes, because Alex is only observing the plants without making any changes.
Yes, because Alex is only observing the plants without making any changes.

No, because Alex is not using any variables in his study.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

Yes, because Alex is manipulating the type of fertilizer to observe its effect on plant growth.

This response highlights that Alex's study involves an experimental design where he is actively changing (manipulating) one variable (the type of fertilizer) to see how it affects another variable (the growth of tomato plants). This is the essence of an experimental study.