Question

hypothesis writing practice
a hypothesis is an educated guess or a testable statement that predicts the outcome of a scientific experiment. a good hypothesis is written in an \if... then... because...\ format.

• if (manipulated variable is changed)
• then (responding variable will change)
• because (provide a logical reason for the prediction)

instructions
for each scenario below, identify the independent and dependent variables and then write a complete hypothesis using the \if... then... because...\ format.

scenario 1: a student wants to find out if the amount of fertilizer affects the growth of a bean plant.

• independent variable: amount of fertilizer
• dependent variable: plant growth

hypothesis:

scenario 2: a scientist is testing if a new medication can lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

• independent variable: new medication
• dependent variable: blood pressure

hypothesis:

scenario 3: does the type of music affect a persons heart rate? a researcher plays different genres of music to volunteers and measures their heart rate.

• independent variable:
• dependent variable:

hypothesis:

scenario 4: a gardener wants to know if using compost will increase the number of vegetables produced in his garden.

• independent variable:
• dependent variable:

hypothesis:

Explanation:

Step1: Identify variables for Scenario 1

Independent variable is amount of fertilizer, dependent is plant growth.

Step2: Write hypothesis for Scenario 1

If the amount of fertilizer is increased, then the growth of the bean - plant will increase because fertilizer provides nutrients for plant growth.

Step3: Identify variables for Scenario 2

Independent variable is new medication, dependent is blood pressure.

Step4: Write hypothesis for Scenario 2

If the new medication is administered, then the blood pressure of patients with hypertension will decrease because the medication is designed to lower blood pressure.

Step5: Identify variables for Scenario 3

Independent variable is type of music, dependent variable is heart rate.

Step6: Write hypothesis for Scenario 3

If different genres of music are played, then a person's heart rate will change because music can stimulate the nervous system.

Step7: Identify variables for Scenario 4

Independent variable is use of compost, dependent variable is number of vegetables produced.

Step8: Write hypothesis for Scenario 4

If compost is used in the garden, then the number of vegetables produced will increase because compost enriches the soil.

Answer:

Scenario 1: If the amount of fertilizer is increased, then the growth of the bean - plant will increase because fertilizer provides nutrients for plant growth.
Scenario 2: If the new medication is administered, then the blood pressure of patients with hypertension will decrease because the medication is designed to lower blood pressure.
Scenario 3: If different genres of music are played, then a person's heart rate will change because music can stimulate the nervous system.
Scenario 4: If compost is used in the garden, then the number of vegetables produced will increase because compost enriches the soil.