Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main purpose of a control group in a scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison by keeping all conditions the same except for the experimental variable

Question 2

In the fish medicine experiment, what is the independent variable?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not the fish receive medicine

Question 3

A researcher finds that ice cream sales and sunburn rates both increase during the summer. What is the best explanation for this observation?

Accepted Answer

A confounding variable, such as hot temperatures, increases both ice cream sales and sunburn rates

Question 4

Which step in the scientific method comes immediately after forming a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Make a prediction based on the hypothesis

Question 5

In the five-second rule experiment, what is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The amount of microbial contamination measured by colony counts

Question 6

Why is it important to avoid bias in scientific experiments?

Accepted Answer

Bias can lead to incorrect or misleading conclusions

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a confounded experiment?

Accepted Answer

Testing two brands of cars, but only using Toyotas in the experimental group and Nissans in the control group

Question 8

A scientist observes that air pollution in Claremont, NH, correlates with Google searches for 'Shrek.' What is the most scientifically valid conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Correlation does not imply causation; the relationship may be coincidental

Question 9

In the context of the scientific method, what should a researcher do if the results do not support the hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

Form a new hypothesis and design a new experiment

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of community analysis and feedback in science?

Accepted Answer

It helps validate results and improve experimental design through peer review

Question 11

If an experiment testing a new drug only includes male mice, what type of bias is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Selection bias

Question 12

Which of the following is the best way to reduce confounding variables in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

Randomly assign subjects to experimental and control groups

Question 13

In the five-second rule experiment, why is it important to use the same surface for each trial?

Accepted Answer

To control for differences in microbial contamination between surfaces

Question 14

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'correlation does not imply causation'?

Accepted Answer

A graph shows that air pollution and Google searches for 'Shrek' increase together, but there is no logical connection

Question 15

Which of the following is a prediction based on the hypothesis: 'Food dropped on the ground for less than five seconds is safe to eat'?

Accepted Answer

If food is picked up within five seconds, then it will show less microbial contamination than food left for longer

Question 16

Which of the following best describes Ignaz Semmelweis’s contribution to science?

Accepted Answer

He demonstrated the importance of handwashing to reduce infection

Question 17

If a scientist omits data that does not fit their hypothesis, what type of bias is this?

Accepted Answer

Information bias

Question 18

Which of the following equations best represents exponential microbial growth, as seen in colony formation?

Accepted Answer

$$N = N_0$ e$$^{rt}$$

Question 19

A group of students is testing the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth. Which of the following would be the best control group?

Accepted Answer

Plants given no fertilizer

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Change the results to fit the hypothesis

Principles of Biology: Scientific Method and Experimental Design

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