To help the student design an experiment to determine if temperature affects the behavior of goldfish, he can follow these basic steps:
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Hypothesis Development: He could hypothesize that different temperatures will lead to observable changes in the behavior of the goldfish.
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Controlled Variables: The experiment should control for other variables that might affect fish behavior, such as tank size, number of fish per bowl, lighting, and feeding schedules.
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Temperature Settings: The student could set up the four bowls at different temperatures (for example, 18°C, 22°C, 26°C, and 30°C).
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Distribution of Fish: He should evenly distribute the 20 goldfish across the four bowls. Depending on the arrangement, he could place 5 fish in each bowl.
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Observation Period: He will need to observe and record the behavior of the fish over a set period, perhaps noting behaviors such as swimming patterns, social interactions, and feeding responses.
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Data Collection: Collect data consistently and possibly repeat the observations multiple times to ensure reliability.
Each response option (A, B, C, D) presumably represents a different experimental design idea. Without specifics, here is a qualitative assessment that might help the student make a choice:
- A: If this design tests only one temperature and doesn't compare, it's not suitable.
- B: If this design fails to control other variables, it might lead to misleading results.
- C: If this suggests equal distribution of fish and controlled temperatures, it's a solid choice.
- D: If this involves an invalid methodological approach, it won’t be effective.
The best experimental design would be the one that includes controlled temperature variations, similar distribution of fish across bowls, and consistent observation methods for behavior. The student should choose the option that best matches this outline.
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