Imagine that a scientist suggests that the size of an insect population depends on the temperature. What observation MUST this scientist make in order to collect evidence to support his or her hypothesis?
A. The scientist must observe the insect population only in winter.
B. The scientist must observe the insect population in the laboratory.
C. The scientist must observe the insect population in different areas.
D. The scientist must observe the insect population throughout the year.

Question

istim · Answer

Well, my answer depends on whether or not such locations have seasons in place.
Also, a variety of temperatures are needed, excluding one answer.
Different areas might work, if they have different temperatures.

anonymous · Answer

So....... u think its C?

blues · Answer

What are the dependent and independent variables in this experiment...?

anonymous · Answer

IDK. that is all it says

anonymous · Answer

If the scientist wants to test ONLY the effect of temperature on the population, it is only possible to do that (i.e. control the temperature and keep all other factors the same) in one of those environments.

anonymous · Answer

its c

blues · Answer

No, I'm asking you to interpret the problem. The scientist can observe two variables: insect population and temperature. Which one depends on the other?

anonymous · Answer

I'm pretty sure it is not C.

anonymous · Answer

The insect population depends on the temperature.

blues · Answer

That is correct. The dependent variable is what the scientist has control over. He can test the relationship between temperature and insect number by varying the dependent variable and seeing what happens to insect number in response.

Clear?

anonymous · Answer

But, thats not it.

anonymous · Answer

Lok @ the choices ^

blues · Answer

Believe me, I am.

What about that isn't clear?

blues · Answer

I don't give answers to people who don't understand what it means and how it was reached. Sorry.

anonymous · Answer

For me i think its D

blues · Answer

I think that you are right. Well done! :D

anonymous · Answer

I actually think the answer is B. Here's why:

If you want to find out what effect temperature might have on an insect population, you need to control for all other variables. This is something that you can only realistically do in the lab. 

It is always nice to study a creature in its natural environment, but... imagine if, in winter, you saw a drop in the insect population. Could you then conclude that the population dropped because of cold? No! There are many other factors that might have played a role: light levels, food availability, weather, and predation all differ between winter and summer, and without careful controls, you cannot rule any of them out!

anonymous · Answer

its about  What observation must this scientist make in order to collect evidence to support his or her hypothesis?