Question

which of the following describes how background research helps in the design of an experiment?
a. it provides a confirmation that no one else has ever done the exact same experiment.

b. it provides a good opportunity to talk to other scientists about their lifes work.

c. it provides information about what is already known about a particular research question.

d. it provides a final opportunity to cancel an experiment before its too late.

Explanation:

• Option A: Background research isn't mainly to confirm no one did the exact same experiment (replication is sometimes done, and the main goal is not this).
• Option B: Background research is about gathering existing knowledge, not just talking to scientists about their life's work.
• Option C: Background research's key role is to find out what is already known about a research question, which helps in designing the experiment (e.g., avoiding redundancy, building on prior knowledge).
• Option D: Background research is not for canceling experiments; it's for informing the design.

Answer:

C. It provides information about what is already known about a particular research question.