UNIT 2: Environmental Research & Data
Collection Questions and answers
Scientific Method - correct answer-A series of steps followed to solve problems including
collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.
Hypothesis - correct answer-A testable prediction, often based on observations or prior
experimental data.
Observations - correct answer-Information gathered by noticing facts and occurrences.
Dependent Variable - correct answer-The measurable effect, outcome, or response in which
the research is interested.
Independent Variable - correct answer-The experimental factor that is manipulated; the
variable whose effect is being studied.
Theory - correct answer-Well-tested explanation that is consistently supported by
investigation and observation
Reliable Data - correct answer-Evidence collected that can be trusted because it is accurate,
consistent, and repeatable
Biased Data - correct answer-Data that have been distorted because of the way they were
collected.
Climate Models - correct answer-Complex programs that combine what is known about
atmospheric circulation, ocean circulation, atmosphere-ocean interactions, and feedback
cycles to simulate climate processes.
Random sampling - correct answer-A sample that fairly represents a population or
community because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
Systematic sampling - correct answer-A procedure in which the selected sampling units are
spaced regularly throughout the population; that is, every n'th unit is selected.
Precision - correct answer-The degree to which repeated measurements show the same
result.
Quadrats - correct answer-A square used to identify an area for sampling.
Pitfall trap - correct answer-Sampling technique used to trap animals living on the soil
surface or in leaf litter.
Collection Questions and answers
Scientific Method - correct answer-A series of steps followed to solve problems including
collecting data, formulating a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and stating conclusions.
Hypothesis - correct answer-A testable prediction, often based on observations or prior
experimental data.
Observations - correct answer-Information gathered by noticing facts and occurrences.
Dependent Variable - correct answer-The measurable effect, outcome, or response in which
the research is interested.
Independent Variable - correct answer-The experimental factor that is manipulated; the
variable whose effect is being studied.
Theory - correct answer-Well-tested explanation that is consistently supported by
investigation and observation
Reliable Data - correct answer-Evidence collected that can be trusted because it is accurate,
consistent, and repeatable
Biased Data - correct answer-Data that have been distorted because of the way they were
collected.
Climate Models - correct answer-Complex programs that combine what is known about
atmospheric circulation, ocean circulation, atmosphere-ocean interactions, and feedback
cycles to simulate climate processes.
Random sampling - correct answer-A sample that fairly represents a population or
community because each member has an equal chance of inclusion.
Systematic sampling - correct answer-A procedure in which the selected sampling units are
spaced regularly throughout the population; that is, every n'th unit is selected.
Precision - correct answer-The degree to which repeated measurements show the same
result.
Quadrats - correct answer-A square used to identify an area for sampling.
Pitfall trap - correct answer-Sampling technique used to trap animals living on the soil
surface or in leaf litter.
