A group of high school students are conducting a scientific investigation in their biology class to study the effect of different types of fertilizer on the growth of tomato plants. Which of the following statements about their investigation is correct?(1 point)

Responses

The type of fertilizer is the dependent variable and the independent variable is the type of tomato plant.
The type of fertilizer is the dependent variable and the independent variable is the type of tomato plant.

The type of fertilizer is the dependent variable and the independent variable is the growth of the tomato plants.
The type of fertilizer is the dependent variable and the independent variable is the growth of the tomato plants.

The type of tomato plant is the dependent variable and the independent variable is the type of fertilizer
The type of tomato plant is the dependent variable and the independent variable is the type of fertilizer

The growth of the tomato plants is the dependent variable and the type of fertilizer is the independent variable.

11 answers

The correct statement is:

The growth of the tomato plants is the dependent variable and the type of fertilizer is the independent variable.

In this investigation, the students are studying how different fertilizers (the independent variable) affect the growth (the dependent variable) of the tomato plants.

How do value judgments impact the practice of science?(1 point)
Responses

Value judgments can affect the interpretation of data and the direction of scientific inquiry.
Value judgments can affect the interpretation of data and the direction of scientific inquiry.

Value judgments are strictly prohibited in the scientific community to maintain objectivity.
Value judgments are strictly prohibited in the scientific community to maintain objectivity.

Value judgments are only relevant in social sciences and have no bearing on natural sciences.
Value judgments are only relevant in social sciences and have no bearing on natural sciences.

Value judgments have no influence on scientific research and conclusions.

The correct response is:

Value judgments can affect the interpretation of data and the direction of scientific inquiry.

Value judgments can influence how scientists interpret data, the questions they choose to pursue, and the applications of their research. While scientists strive for objectivity, personal, cultural, and societal values can inevitably shape scientific practices and priorities.

What is the proper procedure for disposing of flammable materials in a laboratory setting?(1 point)
Responses

Dispose of them in a designated flammable waste container.
Dispose of them in a designated flammable waste container.

Rinse them down the sink with plenty of water.
Rinse them down the sink with plenty of water.

Leave them on the laboratory bench for the janitor to handle.
Leave them on the laboratory bench for the janitor to handle.

Place them in the regular trash can.

The correct response is:

Dispose of them in a designated flammable waste container.

In a laboratory setting, flammable materials should always be disposed of in designated containers specifically designed for flammable waste to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Rinsing them down the sink, leaving them out for janitorial staff, or placing them in regular trash can pose serious safety hazards.

How is a hypothesis determined to be correct?(1 point)
Responses

By consulting scientific authorities
By consulting scientific authorities

By conducting experiments and analyzing data
By conducting experiments and analyzing data

By conducting surveys and polls
By conducting surveys and polls

By relying on personal beliefs

The correct response is:

By conducting experiments and analyzing data.

A hypothesis is determined to be correct or supported based on the outcomes of experiments and the analysis of collected data. Scientific inquiry relies on empirical evidence rather than personal beliefs or consultations with authorities.

In astronomy, the theory of general relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, has significant explanatory power. This prediction has been confirmed through numerous observations and experiments, demonstrating the theory's ability to accurately explain and predict complex astronomical phenomena. Why is this an example of explanatory power in a scientific hypothesis?(1 point)
Responses

It has been accepted by the scientific community for a long time.
It has been accepted by the scientific community for a long time.

It has been proven true in every experiment conducted.
It has been proven true in every experiment conducted.

It has accurately predicted complex astronomical phenomena.
It has accurately predicted complex astronomical phenomena.

It is based on mathematical calculations, which are always accurate.

The correct response is:

It has accurately predicted complex astronomical phenomena.

Explanatory power in a scientific hypothesis refers to its ability to explain existing observations and predict future phenomena accurately. The theory of general relativity is an excellent example because it has successfully made predictions that have been confirmed through various observations and experiments in astronomy.

Which of the following statements about theories is FALSE?(1 point)
Responses

Theories can be modified or discarded in light of new evidence.
Theories can be modified or discarded in light of new evidence.

Theories are just guesses and lack substantial evidence.
Theories are just guesses and lack substantial evidence.

Theories provide a framework for understanding and predicting scientific observations.
Theories provide a framework for understanding and predicting scientific observations.

Theories are well-substantiated explanations of natural phenomena.

The false statement is:

Theories are just guesses and lack substantial evidence.

This statement is incorrect because scientific theories are well-substantiated explanations based on a body of evidence and extensive testing. Unlike mere guesses, theories are built upon rigorous scientific research and can be modified or discarded if new evidence emerges.