ICAS Interpreting Scientific Data 3

Question 1

A scatter plot shows data points mostly following an upward trend from left to right. What type of correlation does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Positive correlation

Answer

Points trending upward from left to right show a positive correlation between the two variables.

Question 2

Scientists measure rainfall (mm) and river depth (m) over 6 months. As rainfall increases, river depth also increases. This relationship is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Directly proportional

Answer

When one variable increases as the other increases proportionally, the relationship is directly proportional.

Question 3

A data table shows that an ice cube's mass decreases over time as it melts. After 10 minutes it has lost 40% of its mass. If it started at 50 grams, what is its current mass?

Accepted Answer

30 g

Answer

40% of 50 g = 20 g lost, so 50 − 20 = 30 g remaining.

Question 4

A graph shows two lines: one for indoor temperature and one for outdoor temperature over 24 hours. The indoor line changes much less than the outdoor line. What does this tell us?

Accepted Answer

Indoor conditions are more stable than outdoors

Answer

A line with smaller variation indicates more stable conditions, showing indoors is better regulated.

Question 5

A scientist conducts an experiment with a control group and an experimental group. What is the purpose of the control group?

Accepted Answer

To provide a baseline for comparison

Answer

The control group provides a baseline with no treatment applied, allowing comparison with the experimental results.

(ICAS) ICAS Practice Test

(ICAS) ICAS Practice Test

ICAS Interpreting Scientific Data 3