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Difficulty: EasyFormulating and Modifying Hypotheses

A student proposed the following hypothesis regarding the behavior of crickets:

*Hypothesis*: As the surrounding temperature increases, the chirping rate of crickets will decrease because lower temperatures stimulate metabolic activity.

The student measured the chirping rate of a group of crickets at different temperatures and recorded the results in the table below:

Temperature (°C)Average chirps per minute
1560
2080
25100
30120

Based on the data, how should the student modify the hypothesis?

  1. A
    Modify the hypothesis to state that as the temperature increases, the average chirping rate remains constant.
  2. B
    Modify the hypothesis to state that as the temperature decreases, the average chirping rate increases.
  3. Modify the hypothesis to state that as the temperature increases, the average chirping rate increases.Answer
  4. D
    Modify the hypothesis to state that the average chirping rate is the independent variable that controls the temperature.

Answer

Modify the hypothesis to state that as the temperature increases, the average chirping rate increases.
The correct option states that the hypothesis should be modified to show that as temperature increases, the average chirping rate increases. This is supported by the data table: as the temperature rises from 15°C to 30°C, the average chirping rate steadily increases from 60 to 120 chirps per minute.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the original hypothesis and compare it with the collected data.
The original hypothesis states that as temperature increases, chirping rate decreases. The data table shows that at 15°C, the chirping rate is 60; at 20°C, it is 80; at 25°C, it is 100; and at 30°C, it is 120.
To determine how to modify the hypothesis, we must first compare the initial prediction to the actual experimental observations.
2
Identify the relationship between temperature and chirping rate shown in the data.
Both temperature and average chirping rate increase together, showing a direct relationship.
This relationship directly contradicts the original hypothesis, which predicted an inverse relationship.
3
Formulate a modified hypothesis that accurately reflects the observed direct relationship.
The modified hypothesis must state that as temperature increases, the average chirping rate increases.
A scientific hypothesis must be revised or replaced when experimental evidence contradicts its predictions.

Key Concept

A hypothesis is a testable statement that must be modified or rejected if it is contradicted by experimental evidence. When data shows that a dependent variable increases as the independent variable increases, the hypothesis must reflect this direct relationship.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Formulating and Modifying Hypotheses

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