Sally Scientist is conducting research into the rates at which birds flap their wings (or "flap rate"),which she notices varies between bird species.How might her research best proceed,according to the scientific method?
A) Sally hypothesizes that the flap rate depends upon the bird's weight and constructs a mathematical model describing her theory.
B) Sally hypothesizes that the flap rate depends upon the bird's weight. She then designs an experiment to measure flap rate as a set of birds grow and reports her results.
C) Sally observes dozens of species of birds and records their flap rates and other characteristics. She then measures which characteristics correlate best with flap rate and reports her findings.
D) Sally observes dozens of species of birds and finds the highest flap rate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to conduct research according to the scientific method, Sally should start with a hypothesis that can be tested through experimentation. She should then design and conduct an experiment to measure flap rate under controlled conditions, while varying the weight of the birds. She should collect and analyze data from the experiment to determine if there is a correlation between weight and flap rate, and report her results. Option A is somewhat similar, but Sally should also test her model through the experiment rather than just constructing it. Option C is more of an observational study, which is not as strong as an experimental study, and does not involve manipulating variables like weight. Option D only identifies the highest flap rate and does not involve testing any hypotheses or conducting experiments.

Sally Scientist Is Conducting Research into the Rates at Which