Question

1. Michael put 100 red seeds, 100 brown seeds, and 100 yellow seeds in his bird feeder. He also put in his bird feeder 100 sunflower seeds that the birds normally eat in their diet. He counted the number seeds of each color that remained after 2 days. He repeated this experiment 10 times over a 20 day period. He kept the bird feeder in the same place and thoroughly mixed the seeds together.

Identify in each of the following experiments:
independent variable
dependent variable
constants-(controlled variables)
control experiment--highlight
repeated trials/sample size

Answer 1

Independent variable: color of the seed

Dependent variable: Number of seeds eaten

Constants: Number of seeds, location, feeder

Control experiment - Sunflower seeds that birds normally eat in their diet

Repeated trials: 10 times

Step-by-step explanation:

The independent variable is the variable that is changed throughout the experiment. It is set to determine whether the changes made to it would have an effect on what is being tested.

• In this case, it would be the color of the seed, because it is what is being change to see if there would be a difference in seeds eaten.

The dependent variable is what does not change. The change it undergoes is not done by the experimenter, instead the change noted (if any) would be because of the independent variable.

• The number of seeds eaten or left would be the independent variable in this case because it seems to be what the experimenter wants to compare with regards to the color of the seeds.

Constants or controlled variables are variables that is set the same in all groups. This enables the researcher to rule out or prevent intervening variables or variables that may cause a change on the dependent variable. This way, the researcher would be able to determine whether it is indeed the independent variable that caused any variation or change.

• As you can see in your scenario, he ensured that the same number of seeds were placed and he set it in the same location. In addition he also put them into the same feeder.

Control group or control experiment is the group where the independent variable is not applied. This is to determine also whether it is the independent variable that made any change and it can also serve as a baseline for the experiment for comparison whether change (if any) is significant.

When it comes to experiments, repeated trials will help validate whether the results are consistent or just a fluke. It is a good characteristic of an experimental design because the scientific method requires that the experiment be repeatable for validation.