Scientific Method Quiz

This scientific method quiz tests your understanding of the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic means of exploring the natural world, asking and answering questions, and explaining how things work.

Let’s see how well you understand the steps of the scientific method and what constitutes good science. This is a 10-question multiple choice quiz.

Scientific Method Quiz Questions

(1) You perform an experiment and perform a statistical analysis that shows the hypothesis is supported with 99.9% confidence. Is it possible the hypothesis is wrong?

It’s unlikely, but yes, it’s possible.
Nope. That’s practically 100%! I round up to the nearest whole number.
I have no idea.

(2) If you reject a hypothesis, it means you did the experiment wrong.

(3) The dependent variable in an experiment is:

the one you measure. The dependent variable depends on how you change the independent variable.
one you hold constant. The experiment depends on never changing the dependent variable.
one you change or manipulate. Everything depends on what you do to this variable.

(4) You conduct an experiment and record data. You notice some of the data doesn’t fit with what you expected or doesn’t agree with the other data. What should you do?

Keep it and analyze it. If it looks way out of whack with the other data, you can discuss it when you present your results.
Toss it out. If it looks wrong, it probably is.
Figure out what you want the data to show and then decide whether or not to keep it.

(5) In the scientific method, you propose a hypothesis to answer a question or solve a problem. Often, the hypothesis is stated in an “if, then” format. Which of the following is a requirement for a good hypothesis?

You need to be able to design and conduct an experiment that can test the hypothesis.
You need to know in advance whether or not the hypothesis is true.
You need to be able to make the hypothesis really broad so pretty much any data can support it or reject it and you can pick the outcome you like better.

(6) Controlled variables are factors you hold constant. How many controlled variables can there be in an experiment?

(7) In an experiment, the independent variable is the one that you:

hold constant throughout the entire experiment
measure in response to a changing variable
change or manipulate

(8) Which of these statements is true?

Data and Results are just two different names for the same thing.
Data are facts you record in an experiment, while Results are the interpretation of these facts.

(9) Although the number of steps in the scientific method depends on how you learned it, the sequence is always the same. Which of these steps comes before the others in the list?

Propose a hypothesis.
Conduct an experiment.
Analyze the data.
Draw conclusions.

(10) How many independent variables do you have in an experiment?

1
0
as many as you can
one fewer than the number of dependent variables

Scientific Method Quiz Answer Key

It’s unlikely, but yes, it’s possible.
false
the one you measure. The dependent variable depends on how you change the independent variable.
Keep it and analyze it. If it looks way out of whack with the other data, you can discuss it when you present your results.
You need to be able to design and conduct an experiment that can test the hypothesis.
as many as you want
change or manipulate
Data are facts you record in an experiment, while Results are the interpretation of these facts.
Propose a hypothesis.
1

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