Scientific Method & Measurement Quiz

Question 1

What is the correct order of the scientific method?

Accepted Answer

Observation → hypothesis → experiment → analyse results → conclusion

Answer

Experiment → hypothesis → observation → conclusion

Answer

Hypothesis → observation → conclusion → experiment

Answer

Conclusion → experiment → hypothesis → observation

Question 2

What is a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A testable prediction or statement about the expected outcome of an experiment

Answer

The final conclusion of an experiment

Answer

A list of equipment used in an experiment

Answer

An observation made during an experiment

Question 3

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

Accepted Answer

The variable that is deliberately changed by the experimenter

Answer

The variable that is measured as the outcome

Answer

A variable that is kept constant

Answer

The control in the experiment

Question 4

What is the dependent variable?

Accepted Answer

The variable that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable

Answer

The variable deliberately changed by the experimenter

Answer

A variable kept constant throughout the experiment

Answer

A variable that cannot be measured

Question 5

What is the SI unit of length?

Accepted Answer

Metre

Answer

Inch

Answer

Foot

Answer

Centimetre

Question 6

What is the difference between accuracy and precision?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the true value; precision is how repeatable/consistent measurements are

Answer

They mean the same thing in science

Answer

Precision is how close to the true value; accuracy is how consistent

Answer

Accuracy applies to digital instruments; precision to analogue ones

Question 7

What is a control experiment?

Accepted Answer

An experiment where the independent variable is set to zero or normal conditions, used as a baseline for comparison

Answer

The most important experiment in a study

Answer

An experiment repeated three times

Answer

An experiment conducted by a different scientist to verify results

Question 8

Why should experiments be repeated?

Accepted Answer

To reduce the effect of random errors and increase confidence in the results by calculating mean values

Answer

To make the experiment last longer

Answer

Because regulations require it

Answer

To check that the equipment is calibrated correctly

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

Systematic errors are consistent biases in one direction; random errors are unpredictable variations in any direction

Answer

They are the same type of error

Answer

Random errors are more serious than systematic errors

Answer

Systematic errors only occur with digital equipment

Question 10

How many significant figures does the number 0.00450 have?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

6

Answer

5

Answer

2

Question 11

What is peer review in science?

Accepted Answer

The process by which other scientists critically evaluate a study before it is published, checking for errors and validity

Answer

When students review each other's homework

Answer

A government inspection of a laboratory

Answer

When a scientist repeats their own experiment

Question 12

What is a line of best fit on a graph?

Accepted Answer

A straight or curved line drawn to best represent the trend in data, with roughly equal numbers of points on each side

Answer

A line connecting every data point

Answer

The line with the steepest gradient

Answer

A line connecting the first and last data points

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

Kelvin (K)

Answer

Celsius (°C)

Answer

Fahrenheit (°F)

Answer

Rankine (R)

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

The experiment actually measures what it claims to measure and controls all relevant variables

Answer

The experiment was conducted by a qualified scientist

Answer

The results matched the hypothesis

Answer

The experiment was conducted more than once

Question 15

What is an anomalous result?

Accepted Answer

A result that does not fit the overall pattern and is likely due to an experimental error

Answer

A result that perfectly matches the prediction

Answer

A result that is consistent with all other results

Answer

The average of all results

Question 16

What is the unit of pressure in the SI system?

Accepted Answer

Pascal (Pa)

Answer

Newton (N)

Answer

Joule (J)

Answer

Bar

Question 17

What is a fair test?

Accepted Answer

An experiment where only the independent variable is changed while all other variables are controlled

Answer

An experiment where the expected results are guaranteed

Answer

An experiment conducted without a hypothesis

Answer

An experiment reviewed by multiple scientists

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The curved surface of a liquid in a container; read from the bottom of the meniscus at eye level

Answer

The scale markings on the side; read from the top of the scale

Answer

The widest part of the liquid surface; read from the highest point

Answer

The residue left after a liquid evaporates

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Mole (mol)

Answer

Gram (g)

Answer

Kilogram (kg)

Answer

Litre (L)

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

To reduce the effect of chance variation and make results more representative and reliable

Answer

To make the study more expensive and credible

Answer

To increase the number of variables that can be tested

Answer

To satisfy legal requirements for research