what is the most important reason to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment

ATI TEAS 7

ATI TEAS Science Test

1. Why is it essential to formulate a hypothesis before conducting an experiment?

A. It will increase the investigator's reputation and prestige if their hypothesis is proven correct.
B. The hypothesis helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for.
C. Formulating a hypothesis shows potential sources of funding that the investigator has given some thought to the experiment.
D. The hypothesis directs which results to keep and publish; results that do not match the hypothesis should be discarded.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Formulating a hypothesis before conducting an experiment is crucial because it helps guide the investigation by suggesting what the investigator should be looking for. A hypothesis serves as a prediction or an educated guess about what might happen in the experiment, providing a clear direction for the research process. It allows the investigator to focus on specific variables and outcomes, making the experiment more organized and effective. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hypothesis is not to boost an investigator's reputation but to guide the research. Choice C is incorrect as formulating a hypothesis is not primarily about impressing funders but about setting a clear direction for the study. Choice D is incorrect because the hypothesis is not meant to dictate which results to keep based on preconceived notions but to guide the investigation and allow for unbiased interpretation of results.

2. What is the main function of the lungs?

A. To transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body
B. To coordinate movement and sensory information
C. To filter waste products from the blood
D. To exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main function of the lungs is to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the body and the environment. This process occurs through the alveoli in the lungs where oxygen from inhaled air enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream and exhaled. Option A is incorrect as the transportation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body is primarily carried out by the circulatory system, not the lungs. Option B is incorrect as coordinating movement and sensory information is a function of the nervous system, not the lungs. Option C is incorrect as filtering waste products from the blood is primarily the role of the kidneys, not the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

3. Cartilage, a type of connective tissue, provides flexible support in various structures. Which of these structures does NOT contain cartilage?

A. Ears
B. Joints
C. Muscles
D. Nose

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that provides flexible support in various structures. Ears, joints, and the nose all contain cartilage. Muscles, however, are made up of muscle tissue, not cartilage. Therefore, muscles do not contain cartilage. Choice A, ears, choice B, joints, and choice D, nose, are incorrect as they all contain cartilage. Choice C, muscles, is the correct answer as muscles are not composed of cartilage.

4. In aerobic respiration, how many ATP molecules are produced per molecule of FADH2?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 2. During aerobic respiration, each molecule of FADH2 produces 2 ATP molecules. FADH2 enters the electron transport chain and contributes to the generation of ATP. Choice A (1), Choice C (3), and Choice D (4) are incorrect because FADH2 specifically yields 2 ATP molecules per molecule in the process of aerobic respiration.

5. Which structure controls the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland?

A. Hypothalamus
B. Adrenal gland
C. Testes
D. Pancreas

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. It acts as a master regulator of the endocrine system by producing releasing and inhibiting hormones that influence the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. Choice B, the Adrenal gland, is incorrect because while it plays a role in hormone production, it is not responsible for controlling the pituitary gland's hormones. Choice C, the Testes, and Choice D, the Pancreas, are also incorrect as they are not directly involved in controlling the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland.