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Biology LibreTexts

3.2: Formative/Summative Questions

  • Page ID
    117989
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    Formative Questions

    1. Define the following terms:
      1. Hypothesis
      2. Prediction
      3. Dependent variable
      4. Independent variable
      5. Controlled variable
      6. Experimental group
      7. Control group

    Answer: Definitions are self explanatory. Students should understand the difference between a question/prediction/hypothesis/theory. Emphasize the differentiation between control group and controlled variables. Experiments will have at least 2 hypotheses- the null and alternate hypotheses. Experiments can have more, depending on the number of variables. There are multiple control variables.

    1. What is the purpose of reporting your scientific work?

    Answer: Peer reviewed data allows researchers to collaborate and verify data. Collaboration of data leads to scientific theories.

    1. When graphing data, which variable goes on the x-axis? The y-axis?

    Answer: Independent variable on x-axis. Dependent variable on y-axis.

    1. Why do athletes have lower resting heart rates than non-athletes?

    Answer: Refer to the equation CO = HR x SV (cardiac output = heart rate x stroke volume.) Cardiac output (mL / min) is the volume of blood that leaves the heart per minute. Heart rate is the number of beats per minute (beats / min). Stroke volume is the volume of blood that leaves the heart (ventricles) per beat (mL / beat). Two individuals that are the same height/weight will have the same CO. However, athletes have lower resting heart rates because they generally have greater stroke volumes. 

    Summative Questions

    1. Design a scientific experiment and apply the terms related to the scientific method (listed above) to each component of your experiment.

    Answer: This is an open-ended question. Students should focus on the difference between question/prediction/hypothesis. Students should have at least two hypotheses. Have them identify all of the control variables, not just one or two.

    1. What is the process and reason behind peer review?

    Answer: Allows for verification of results. Researchers submit materials and methods, and statistical analyses of their raw data. Others can repeat the experiment.

    1. What parts of an experiment should be reported? Explain. 

    Answer: Raw data is not reported. Materials, methods, and statistical analyses (of raw data) are presented in a way such that others can understand and repeat the experiment.