Scientific Method
AP Psychology · Learn by Concept
Help Questions
AP Psychology › Scientific Method
Which of the following terms refers to a supposition based on previous observations that is offered as an explanation for observed phenomenon?
Hypothesis
Conclusion
Observation
Perception
Assumption
Explanation
An hypothesis is a conclusion drawn before all of the facts are established and tentatively accepted as a basis for further investigation.
A conclusion is the final operation in the scientific method. It is a decision made about the validity of the hypothesis on the basis of experimental evidence. Observation is the first operation in the scientific method. Observation is the noting of a specific phenomenon leading to the formulation of a hypothesis. Perception is the organization, identification, and interpretation of sensory information. An assumption is an idea that is not subjected to logical study.
In a study examining the effect of cigarette smoking on men's blood pressure, the subjects' blood pressure is the study's __________.
dependent variable
independent variable
confounding variable
mediating variable
None of these
Explanation
In an experiment, the dependent variable is changed by changes to the independent variable; because this study examines how differences in smoking habits affect blood pressure, the number/frequency of cigarettes smoked is the study's independent variable and the subjects' blood pressure is the study's dependent variable.