Multiple Choice Questions:
According to the text, why is it important to identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables before
starting an experiment?
A) To make the experiment more complicated and interesting.
B) To ensure the experiment is fair and the results are meaningful.
C) To confuse other scientists who might want to replicate the experiment.
D) To avoid having to measure any results at all.
In the context of an experiment, what does the text say is the purpose of a control group?
A) To receive the independent variable in the highest concentration.
B) To have a group that does not receive the independent variable, providing a baseline for comparison.
C) To ensure that all variables are changed equally across all groups.
D) To complicate the experiment and make it harder to analyze the results.
Based on the text, which statement best describes the relationship between independent and dependent
variables?
A) The dependent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the independent variable.
B) The independent variable 'depends' on the dependent variable.
C) The dependent variable is measured to see if it's affected by the independent variable.
D) The independent and dependent variables are kept constant throughout the experiment.
Short Answer Questions:
1. According to the text, what are variables in the context of scientific experiments?
Answer:
According to the text, variables are factors that can be changed or measured in scientific experiments.
2. What does the text state is the key to ensuring experiments are fair and results are meaningful?
Answer:
The text states that identifying and controlling variables is the key to ensuring experiments are fair and results
are meaningful.
3. According to the text, what makes an experiment valid?
Answer:
According to the text, an experiment is valid if it measures what it is supposed to be measuring.
Open-Ended Questions – Sample Answers
1. Why is it important to only change one variable in an experiment?
Answer: It is important to change only one variable—the independent variable—so that you can
clearly see its effect on the dependent variable. If multiple variables are changed at the same time, it
becomes impossible to determine which variable caused the observed results, making the experiment
invalid or unreliable.
2. Imagine you are testing how different amounts of sunlight affect plant growth. What would be your
independent, dependent, and controlled variables?
Answer:
○ Independent variable: The amount of sunlight the plants receive (e.g., 2 hours, 4 hours, 6
hours).
○ Dependent variable: The growth of the plants, usually measured in height or number of leaves.
○ Controlled variables: Type of plant, amount of water, type of soil, size of pot, and temperature—
these must remain the same to ensure a fair test.
3. How can controlling variables make an experiment more accurate or reliable?
Answer: Controlling variables ensures that only the independent variable affects the outcome. This
reduces random errors or outside influences, making it more likely that the results are due to the factor
you are testing. As a result, the experiment becomes more accurate and can be repeated with similar
results, increasing its reliability.
4. Give an example of an experiment you might do in science class, and identify the independent,
dependent, and at least two controlled variables.
Answer:
○ Experiment example: Investigating how the temperature of water affects how fast sugar
dissolves.
○ Independent variable: The temperature of the water (e.g., cold, room temperature, hot).
○ Dependent variable: Time taken for the sugar to fully dissolve.
○ Controlled variables: Amount of sugar, volume of water, and stirring speed.
