ISASP Research and Inquiry Skills

Question 1

A student is researching the effects of pollution on Iowa rivers for a science report. Which source would be MOST credible?

Accepted Answer

A report published by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Answer

Government agencies like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources publish peer-reviewed, official data, making them highly credible sources for environmental research.

Question 2

When a student copies a paragraph from a book and puts it in a report without quotation marks or a citation, this is called:

Accepted Answer

Plagiarism

Answer

Plagiarism is using someone else's words or ideas without giving them proper credit, which includes failing to use quotation marks or citations.

Question 3

A primary source is best described as:

Accepted Answer

An original diary written by a Civil War soldier

Answer

A primary source is an original, firsthand document or artifact created during the time being studied, such as a diary written by someone who experienced the events.

Question 4

Which search term would MOST likely return the most specific results when researching the history of Iowa's state capital?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines Iowa capital history

Answer

Using multiple specific keywords like 'Des Moines Iowa capital history' narrows the search to return results directly relevant to the topic.

Question 5

A student reads two articles about school lunch policies. One says healthy lunches improve grades; the other says there is no proven link. What should the student do?

Accepted Answer

Look for additional sources to compare and evaluate the evidence

Answer

When sources disagree, researchers should seek additional sources to gather more evidence and make a better-informed conclusion.

ISASP - Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress Practice Test

ISASP - Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress Practice Test

ISASP Research and Inquiry Skills