Final answer:
To test a lotion's claim of preventing sunburn, one would apply the scientific method by forming a hypothesis such as 'If lotion is applied, then sunburn will be prevented,' then designing an experiment with the application of lotion as the independent variable, sunburn presence as the dependent variable, a control group, and keeping sunlight exposure constant to ensure reliability.
Step-by-step explanation:
To evaluate the claim made by a new lotion that it can slow or stop sunburn, one would use the scientific method.
First, make observations by applying the lotion to determine if sunburn is affected.
Next, identify a question based on the observation, such as "Does the lotion reduce the incidence of sunburn?"
Proceed by researching the lotion's ingredients and their known effects on the skin.
Then form a hypothesis, which could be "If the lotion is applied, then the skin will not experience sunburn even when exposed to the sun."
Following the hypothesis, design an experiment where the independent variable would be the application of the lotion, and the dependent variable is the presence or absence of sunburn on the skin.
A control group would be necessary, which would be a group that does not apply the lotion but is exposed to the same amount of sunlight.
Variables to keep controlled could include the exposure time to sunlight, the intensity of sunlight, and the type of skin.
Testing and collecting data on whether the people with or without the lotion get sunburned would follow, and consistency is important to ensure the reliability of the results.