1.
You are the head of the research division of the Leafy Lettuce Company. Your company is experimenting with growing lettuce using hydroponic technology. Hydroponic technology involves growing plants in containers of growth solution in a greenhouse. No soil is used. The growth solution that the company uses contains water, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The company wants to know if adding iron to this formula will improve lettuce growth.
What would the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE be in the experiment?
Correct Answer
C. The growth solution
Explanation
The independent variable in this experiment would be the addition of iron to the growth solution. This is because it is the variable that is being manipulated by the researcher to see if it has an effect on lettuce growth. The other options listed (lettuce growth, soil, water, and hydroponic technology) are not being intentionally changed or manipulated in this experiment.
2.
In scientific research, the DEPENDENT VARIABLE is a factor that is measured to learn the effect of one or more independent variables.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
In scientific research, the dependent variable is the factor that is measured to determine the impact of one or more independent variables. This means that the dependent variable is the outcome or result that is being studied or observed. By measuring the dependent variable, researchers can assess the influence or relationship between the independent variables and the outcome. Therefore, the statement that the dependent variable is a factor that is measured to learn the effect of independent variables is true.
3.
In an experiment, you water three sunflower plants with salt water. Each plant receives a different concentration of salt water solution. A fourth plant receives pure water. After a two week period, the height of each plant is measured. In this experiment, the plant height is which of the following?
Correct Answer
B. The DEPENDENT variable
Explanation
The height of each plant is being measured in this experiment, which means it is the variable that is being observed and measured. The height of the plants is dependent on the concentration of salt water solution they receive, as well as the type of water they receive. Therefore, the height of the plants is the dependent variable in this experiment.
4.
The following could be an example of a hypothesis: "If the outdoor temperature decreases to 32 degrees Farenheit or colder (at standard pressure), then the lake will begin to freeze because water freezes at 32 degrees Farenheit."
Correct Answer
A. TRUE
Explanation
The given statement is an example of a hypothesis because it presents a proposed explanation or prediction based on a specific condition (outdoor temperature decreasing to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or colder) and a known scientific fact (water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit). A hypothesis is a testable statement that can be supported or refuted through scientific experimentation or observation, and the given statement fits this definition. Therefore, the answer is TRUE.
5.
There will be a statistically significant difference in graduation rates of at-risk high-school seniors who participate in an intensive study program as opposed to at-risk high-school seniors who do not participate in the intensive study program." (LaFountain & Bartos, 2002, p. 57)
What is the DEPENDENT variable?
Correct Answer
A. Graduation rates
Explanation
The dependent variable in this study is the graduation rates. The study aims to investigate the difference in graduation rates between at-risk high-school seniors who participate in an intensive study program and those who do not participate. The graduation rates are the outcome or response variable that is being measured and compared between the two groups.
6.
There will be a statistically significant difference in graduation rates of at-risk high-school seniors who participate in an intensive study program as opposed to at-risk high-school seniors who do not participate in the intensive study program." (LaFountain & Bartos, 2002, p. 57)
What is the INDEPENDENT variable?
Correct Answer
C. Participation in the intensive study program
Explanation
The independent variable in this study is the participation in the intensive study program. This is because the researchers are interested in examining the effect of this variable on the graduation rates of at-risk high-school seniors. They want to compare the graduation rates of those who participate in the program to those who do not participate.
7.
"A director of residential living on a large university campus is concerned about the large turnover rate in resident assistants. In recent years many resident assistants have left their positions before completing even 1 year in their assignments. The director wants to identify the factors that predict commitment as a resident assistant (defined as continuing in the position a minimum of 2 years). The director decides to assess knowledge of the position, attitude toward residential policies, and ability to handle conflicts as predictors for commitment to the position." (LaFountain & Bartos, 2002, p. 8).
What is the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE?
Correct Answer
B. Knowledge of the position, attitude toward residential policies, and the ability to handle conflicts
Explanation
The independent variable in this scenario is "knowledge of the position, attitude toward residential policies, and ability to handle conflicts." This is because the director wants to assess these factors as predictors for commitment to the position of resident assistant. The director is interested in understanding how these variables might influence the likelihood of a resident assistant staying in their position for at least 2 years.
8.
According to the graph, the value of Sarah's car INCREASED between 2001 and 2007.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
According to the graph, the value of Sarah's car did not increase between 2001 and 2007. It either remained the same or decreased during that time period.
9.
Tyrosine concentration ([Tyrsonine] mM) is shown as the DEPENDENT VARIABLE in this graph.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The explanation for the given answer is that the statement is incorrect. The graph does not show the concentration of tyrosine as the dependent variable. It does not provide any information about what the dependent variable is, or what is being measured on the y-axis of the graph. Therefore, the answer is false.
10.
The diagram below represents the change in a sprouting onion bulb when sunlight is present and when sunlight is no longer available.
A student researcher hypothesized, "if the leaves of an onion bulb are removed from light for an extended period of time, then the leaves will wilt, or wither, because the leaves require sunlight to remain healthy." The above diagram, which models the results of his experiment, SUPPORTS this hypothesis.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The diagram shows that when sunlight is present, the onion bulb sprouts and the leaves are healthy. However, when sunlight is no longer available, the leaves wilt and wither. This supports the student researcher's hypothesis that the leaves require sunlight to remain healthy. Therefore, the correct answer is true.