Scientific experiment

Question 1

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

Answer 1

The factor that is changed on purpose

Example: If testing how sunlight affects plant growth, the amount of sunlight is the independent variable.

Question 2

What is the dependent variable in an experiment?

Answer 2

The factor that is measured in the experiment

Example: The height of the plant depends on the amount of sunlight given to the plant.

Question 3

What are controlled variables (constants) in an experiment?

Answer 3

Factors that must be kept the same to make the experiment valid

Example: The type of plant, amount of water, type of soil, and temperature should stay the same.

Question 4

What does validity mean in the context of an experiment?

Answer 4

An experiment accurately tests what it is supposed to test and produces reliable, meaningful results.

Question 5

How can validity be ensured in an experiment?

Answer 5

By implementing:
* Fair Testing
* Accurate Measurements
* Reliability (Repeating)
* Large Sample Size
* Avoiding Bias

Question 6

What is a hypothesis?

Answer 6

A well-educated guess or prediction about what will happen in an experiment.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: A hypothesis is based on _______.

Answer 7

[prior knowledge/observations]