Science Inquiry & Data Interpretation Flashcards

A table shows that as elevation increases, air temperature decreases. Which type of relationship do these variables have?

Answer: Negative correlation

When one variable increases as the other decreases, they share a negative correlation.

A student concludes that studying more hours causes better test scores. Which additional evidence would best support this conclusion?

Answer: Multiple studies showing the same pattern across many students

Multiple studies with consistent results across large groups provide the strongest support for a scientific conclusion.

What does it mean if an experiment is described as 'repeatable'?

Answer: Other scientists get similar results using the same procedure

Repeatability means that other scientists following the same procedure obtain similar results, which strengthens confidence in the findings.

A student measures a pencil as 19 cm long. The actual length is 18.5 cm. Which term describes how close the measurement is to the true value?

Answer: Accuracy

Accuracy describes how close a measured value is to the true or accepted value.

Which of the following is the best way to communicate scientific findings to others?

Answer: Publish findings with methods and data for peer review

Publishing findings with full methods and data allows other scientists to review, replicate, and verify the work.

In a data table, which value represents the average of 4, 6, 8, and 6?

Answer: 6

The mean is calculated by adding all values (4+6+8+6=24) and dividing by the count (24÷4=6).

A student's experiment on plant growth produces different results each time. The most likely cause is:

Answer: Variables were not properly controlled

Inconsistent results usually indicate that uncontrolled variables are affecting the outcome differently each trial.