Question 1

What is the term for the variable that the researcher deliberately changes or manipulates in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The independent variable. It is the factor the experimenter controls and changes to observe its effect on the outcome.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a control group in a scientific experiment?

Accepted Answer

A control group provides a baseline for comparison by receiving no treatment, allowing researchers to isolate the effect of the independent variable.

Question 3

If an experiment tests how temperature affects enzyme activity while keeping pH and substrate concentration the same, what are pH and substrate concentration called?

Accepted Answer

They are controlled variables (constants). These factors are held constant to ensure that only the independent variable (temperature) affects the results.

Question 4

What does it mean for an experiment to have a valid design?

Accepted Answer

A valid experiment actually measures what it intends to measure, controls confounding variables, and logically connects the procedure to the hypothesis being tested.

Question 5

Why do scientists repeat experiments multiple times and average the results?

Accepted Answer

Repetition reduces the effect of random error and increases reliability, making the results more trustworthy and representative of the true outcome.

ACT Scientific Reasoning Mastery

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