Bart believes that mice exposed to microwaves will become extra strong (maybe he's reading too much Radioactive Man). He decides to perform this experiment by placing 10 mice in a microwave for 10 seconds. He composed these 10 mice to another 10 mice that had not been exposed. His test consisted of a heavy block of wood that blocked the mouse food. He found that 8 out of the 10 of microwaved mice were able to push the block away. 7 out of 10 of the non-microwaved mice were able to do same. Identify the Control Group?
Independent Variable? Dependent Variable? What should Bart's conclusion be? How could Bart's experiment be improved?
In Bart's experiment, the control group would be the group of mice that had not been exposed to microwaves. This group serves as a baseline to compare the results of the experiment.
The independent variable in Bart's experiment is the exposure to microwaves. It is the factor that Bart deliberately manipulates.
The dependent variable in this experiment is the ability of the mice to push away the heavy block of wood. It is the outcome that is measured and affected by the independent variable.
Based on the given information, Bart's conclusion could be that mice exposed to microwaves are slightly more likely to push the block of wood away compared to non-exposed mice. This conclusion is drawn from the higher percentage (8 out of 10) of microwaved mice being able to complete the task compared to the non-microwaved mice (7 out of 10).
To improve Bart's experiment, there are a few suggestions:
1. Increase the sample size: 10 mice in each group is a relatively small sample size. Increasing the number of mice in each group would provide more reliable and statistically significant results.
2. Control for other variables: It is important to ensure that both groups of mice are similar in all other aspects except for the exposure to microwaves. This can be achieved by randomly assigning the mice to the groups and keeping the conditions consistent for both groups.
3. Increase exposure time: 10 seconds of exposure might not be sufficient to accurately test the effect of microwaves on the mice. Bart could consider increasing the exposure time or trying different durations to observe the potential impact.
4. Add a placebo group: In addition to the control and experimental groups, Bart could include a placebo group. This group would consist of mice exposed to a fake or inactive treatment (e.g., simulated microwave exposure) to account for any potential placebo effects or other variables.
By implementing these improvements, Bart's experiment will yield a more robust and reliable conclusion.
The control group in Bart's experiment is the group of mice that had not been exposed to microwaves.
The independent variable in Bart's experiment is the exposure to microwaves.
The dependent variable in Bart's experiment is the ability of the mice to push the block of wood away.
Based on the results, Bart's conclusion should be that there is no significant difference in the strength of microwaved mice compared to non-microwaved mice.
To improve Bart's experiment, he could consider the following:
1. Increase the sample size: Using a larger number of mice in each group would provide more reliable results and reduce the impact of any individual variations.
2. Use random assignment: Randomly assign the mice to the microwaved and non-microwaved groups to ensure that any observed differences are not due to pre-existing differences among the mice.
3. Use a longer exposure time: 10 seconds might not be enough for any potential effects to manifest. Bart could consider increasing the exposure time to test for any potential dose-response relationship.
4. Repeat the experiment: Conducting the experiment multiple times would help establish the consistency and reliability of the results.
5. Consider a different dependent variable: Instead of just testing the ability to push a block of wood, Bart could measure other physical capabilities or outcomes that may be affected by microwave exposure, such as endurance or agility.
control group: unradiated mice
independent variable: 10 sec exposure
dependent variable: ability to get to food
Statistics plays an important part here. With only ten mice, the standard deviation is huge. The difference between 7 and 8 is insignificant, and no conclusion can be made.