Question

multiple choice question
which of the following statements best characterizes an experiment?
○ the collection of information through direct participation or by closely watching a group or community
○ any method that is considered by the scientific community to be both unethical and unscientific
○ a series of identical questions asked of a large number of participants
○ an artificially created situation that allows researchers to manipulate variables
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Explanation:

• The first option describes observational field research, not an experiment.
• The second option is incorrect as experiments are ethical and scientific when conducted properly.
• The third option refers to a survey, not an experiment.
• The fourth option is the core defining feature of an experiment: creating a controlled, artificial scenario to manipulate variables and test hypotheses.

Answer:

D. an artificially created situation that allows researchers to manipulate variables