Final answer:
The cockroaches are exhibiting kinesis, likely orthokinesis, as they scatter when the light is turned on. If their movement was more directed, it could be considered negative phototaxis. These behaviors are natural responses to avoid unsuitable conditions or predators.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cockroaches in the room exhibiting a scattered movement in response to the light being turned on are demonstrating a form of behavior known as kinesis, which is an undirected movement in reaction to a stimulus. Specifically, this is orthokinesis, where the speed of movement changes, usually increasing, as a result of a stimulus, in this case, light.
However, if the cockroaches were running away from the light in a more directed manner, this would be an example of negative phototaxis, which is a movement away from a light stimulus. In general, these types of movements are survival tactics to avoid predators or unfavorable environmental conditions.