Chapter 1: Scientific Investigation

Paper 1

1 The information below shows the steps that are involved in a scientific investigation.

W: Making a hypothesis
X : Collecting data
Y : Controlling variables
Z : Identifying problem

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps?

A Z, W, Y, X
B W, Z, Y, X
C Z, W, Y, X
D Y, Z, W, X

2 Which of the following is the most accurate definition for the term hypothesis?
A Hypothesis is the interpretation of the data collected during an investigation.
B Hypothesis is a statement about an investigation whose truth has been proved.
C Hypothesis is the result of an investigation.
D Hypothesis is a statement about the relationship between the variable that is manipulated
and the variable that responds.

3 Why must the methods and techniques used be planned prior to a scientific investigation?
A To ensure that the data collected are more accurate
B To ease the collection of data
C To collect the data in a faster way
D To conduct an investigation easily

4 When planning for a scientific investigation, the following procedures are carried out except
A determine the method to collect the data
B determine the ways to control the variables that are kept constant
C select as many manipulated variables as possible
D list down all the suitable materials and apparatus to be used

5 Figure 1 shows an experiment to study the relationship between the oscillation of a weight
and the length of a thread.

Figure 1
Which of the following is paired correctly?

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 Variable that is kept constant
A Length of the thread
B Mass of the weight
C Time of the oscillation
D Shape of the weight
Variable that is manipulated
Time of the oscillation
Length of the thread
Shape of the weight
Time of the oscillation

6 Which of the following variables has its value obtained through observation in an
experiment?
A Independent variable
B Variable that is kept constant
C Variable that is manipulated
D Variable that responds

7 A student would like to investigate how different materials affect the rate of metal expansion.
Which of the following variables should not be made constant?
A Type of material
B Heat supplied
C Shape of the material
D Pressure of the atmosphere

8 Figure 2 shows the relationship between the voltage value and the current value in an
experiment.
Voltage

Current
Figure 2

The variable that responds in the experiment is the value of the

A voltage
B current
C resistance
D time taken

9 The following must be observed when making a hypothesis except

A give suggestions on the explanation based on the scientific principle
B change the data to support the hypothesis made
C use the existing knowledge to explain a phenomenon
D use other ways to explain an occurrence

10 Which of the following statements about variables is not true?

A Variables that are manipulated are independent variables.

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 B Variables that respond are data collected from investigation activities.
C Variables that respond are determined by variables that are kept constant.
D Variables that are kept constant are variables that are fixed in an experiment.

11 Which of the following is the first step taken in a scientific investigation?

A Controlling the variables
B Making an inference
C Making a hypothesis
D Identifying the problem

12 Which of the following are scientific and noble values?

I Critical and analytical thinking
II Being systematic
III Interest and curiosity
A I and II only
B I and III only
C II and III only
D I, II and III

13 Which of the following are carried out in a scientific method?

I Predicting
II Observing
III Grateful
A I and II only
B I and III only
C II and III only
D I, II and III

14 Which of the following is a hypothesis statement?

I The evaporation rate of water is influenced by the exposed area.
II The bigger the size of a gas jar, the longer the candle will burn in the gas jar.
III The Earth is one of the planets in the solar system.
A III only
B I and II only
C II and III only
D I, II, and III

15 The following steps are taken while collecting and interpreting data in a scientific
investigation except
I data collected can be interpreted in the form of a table
II data recorded can be shown in a histogram
III any data which is thought to be incorrect should be removed
A III only
B I and II only
C I and III only
D II and III only

Paper 2

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Section B
Table 1 shows the results obtained from an experiment that is conducted to study the effect of
force on spring elongation.

Table 1
(a) Sketch a graph of the spring elongation versus force applied.

(b) What is the conclusion that can be made?

_____________________________________________________________

(c) What is the variable that

(i) is manipulated: ______________________________________________
(ii) responds : ______________________________________________

(d) Predict the spring elongation when 5 N of force is applied.

______________________________________________________________
[5 marks]

Answers:

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Paper 1
1 C 11 D
2 D 12 D
3 D 13 A
4 C 14 B
5 B 15 A
6 C
7 A
8 A
9 B
10 C

Paper 2
Section B
(a)

(b) Spring elongation has a direct relationship with the force applied

(c) (i) Force applied

(ii) Spring elongation

(d) Between 3.0 N - 4.6 N