module3REVIEW

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In this module, we have seen how specific aspects of the scientific method are used to conduct field and laboratory evaluations of how human activity affects the natural environment. The scientific method follows a process of observations and questions, testable hypotheses and predictions, and data collection. Results are interpreted and shared with other researchers. Experiments can be either controlled (manipulated) experiments or natural experiments that make use of natural events. There are often challenges in environmental science including the lack of baseline data and the interactions with social factors such as human preferences.

Module 3 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. The first step in the scientific process is

  1. collecting data.

  2. observations and questions.

  3. forming a hypothesis.

  4. disseminating findings.

  5. forming a theory.

Use the following information for questions 2 and 3:

Two new devices for measuring lead contamination in water are tested for accuracy. Scientists test each device with seven samples of water known to contain 400 ppm of lead. Their data is shown below. Concentration is in parts per billion.

WaterSample 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Device 1 415 417 416 417 415 416 416
Device 2 398 401 400 402 398 400 399

Question 2

2. The data from device 1 is

  1. accurate, but not precise.

  2. precise, but not accurate.

  3. both accurate and precise.

  4. neither accurate nor precise.

  5. not clear enough to support any conclusion about accuracy or precision.

Question 3

3. Assuming the devices were used correctly, and assuming we want to choose a device that accurately reflects the true concentration of lead in the water samples, which conclusion does the data support?

  1. Device 1 is superior to device 2 because it is more precise.

  2. Device 2 is superior to device 1 because it is more precise.

  3. Device 1 is superior to device 2 because it is more accurate.

  4. Device 2 is superior to device 1 because it is more accurate.

  5. Both devices are equally effective at measuring contaminates.

Question 4

4. Challenges in the study of environmental science include all of the following except

  1. dangers of studying natural systems.

  2. lack of baseline data.

  3. subjectivity of environmental impacts.

  4. complexity of natural systems.

  5. complex interactions between humans and the environment.

Question 5

5. A control group is

  1. a group with the same conditions as the experimental group.

  2. a group with conditions found in nature.

  3. a group with a randomly assigned population.

  4. a group with the same conditions as the experimental group except for the study variable.

  5. a group that is kept at the same conditions throughout the experiment.