Scientific Method & Measurement Quiz

1. What is the correct order of the scientific method?

1. Conclusion → experiment → hypothesis → observation
2. Experiment → hypothesis → observation → conclusion
3. Hypothesis → observation → conclusion → experiment
4. Observation → hypothesis → experiment → analyse results → conclusion

2. What is a hypothesis?

1. A list of equipment used in an experiment
2. A testable prediction or statement about the expected outcome of an experiment
3. An observation made during an experiment
4. The final conclusion of an experiment

3. What is the independent variable in an experiment?

1. A variable that is kept constant
2. The control in the experiment
3. The variable that is deliberately changed by the experimenter
4. The variable that is measured as the outcome

4. What is the dependent variable?

1. A variable kept constant throughout the experiment
2. A variable that cannot be measured
3. The variable deliberately changed by the experimenter
4. The variable that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable

5. What is the SI unit of length?

1. Centimetre
2. Foot
3. Inch
4. Metre

6. What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

1. Accuracy applies to digital instruments; precision to analogue ones
2. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value; precision is how repeatable/consistent measurements are
3. Precision is how close to the true value; accuracy is how consistent
4. They mean the same thing in science

7. What is a control experiment?

1. An experiment conducted by a different scientist to verify results
2. An experiment repeated three times
3. An experiment where the independent variable is set to zero or normal conditions, used as a baseline for comparison
4. The most important experiment in a study

8. Why should experiments be repeated?

1. Because regulations require it
2. To check that the equipment is calibrated correctly
3. To make the experiment last longer
4. To reduce the effect of random errors and increase confidence in the results by calculating mean values

9. What is the difference between a systematic error and a random error?

1. Random errors are more serious than systematic errors
2. Systematic errors are consistent biases in one direction; random errors are unpredictable variations in any direction
3. Systematic errors only occur with digital equipment
4. They are the same type of error

10. How many significant figures does the number 0.00450 have?

1. 2
2. 3
3. 5
4. 6

11. What is peer review in science?

1. A government inspection of a laboratory
2. The process by which other scientists critically evaluate a study before it is published, checking for errors and validity
3. When a scientist repeats their own experiment
4. When students review each other's homework

12. What is a line of best fit on a graph?

1. A line connecting every data point
2. A line connecting the first and last data points
3. A straight or curved line drawn to best represent the trend in data, with roughly equal numbers of points on each side
4. The line with the steepest gradient

13. What is the unit for measuring temperature in science (SI)?

1. Celsius (°C)
2. Fahrenheit (°F)
3. Kelvin (K)
4. Rankine (R)

14. What does 'valid' mean in the context of a scientific experiment?

1. The experiment actually measures what it claims to measure and controls all relevant variables
2. The experiment was conducted by a qualified scientist
3. The experiment was conducted more than once
4. The results matched the hypothesis

15. What is an anomalous result?

1. A result that does not fit the overall pattern and is likely due to an experimental error
2. A result that is consistent with all other results
3. A result that perfectly matches the prediction
4. The average of all results

16. What is the unit of pressure in the SI system?

1. Bar
2. Joule (J)
3. Newton (N)
4. Pascal (Pa)

17. What is a fair test?

1. An experiment conducted without a hypothesis
2. An experiment reviewed by multiple scientists
3. An experiment where only the independent variable is changed while all other variables are controlled
4. An experiment where the expected results are guaranteed

18. What is a meniscus and how should you read a measuring cylinder?

1. The curved surface of a liquid in a container; read from the bottom of the meniscus at eye level
2. The residue left after a liquid evaporates
3. The scale markings on the side; read from the top of the scale
4. The widest part of the liquid surface; read from the highest point

19. What is the unit for measuring the amount of a substance (moles)?

1. Gram (g)
2. Kilogram (kg)
3. Litre (L)
4. Mole (mol)

20. What is the purpose of using a large sample size in a scientific study?

1. To increase the number of variables that can be tested
2. To make the study more expensive and credible
3. To reduce the effect of chance variation and make results more representative and reliable
4. To satisfy legal requirements for research