GED Science Practice Test 2: Experimental Design and Analysis.

Last Updated on June 10, 2024

GED Science Practice Test 2: Experimental Design and Analysis. Prepare for your GED exam with our GED Science Practice Test 2, focusing on experimental design and analysis. Download free printable practice questions and answers to enhance your science skills and improve your test-taking abilities.

Use these resources to deepen your understanding of scientific experiments and data analysis, boosting your confidence for the 2024 GED exam. Our practice test will help you excel in experimental design and analysis, increasing your chances of achieving a high score.

Experimental design and analysis are critical components of the GED Science test. This section evaluates your ability to understand the principles of scientific experiments, including hypothesis formation, variable identification, and data analysis. You will also need to interpret data from experiments and draw logical conclusions.

Experimental design involves planning an experiment to test a hypothesis by manipulating variables and observing the outcomes. Data analysis includes organizing, interpreting, and presenting data to determine if it supports the hypothesis.

GED Science Practice Test 2

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GED Science Pre-Test 2023

General Educational Development
Test Subject: Science
Test Type: Sample Questions and Answers
Total Questions: 34
Time Duration: N/A

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1) Potassium is receiving special attention as an important nutritional requirement. Potassium ions help conduct an electric charge that is important in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Foods such as bananas and dried apricots are rich in potassium. These foods are recommended for persons who lose potassium because their medication causes the loss of body water. Why might the heart malfunction because of loss of potassium?

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2) Oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen, which occur in the stack gases of coal-burning plants, react with atmospheric water to form acids. The pollution caused by stack gases may be responsible for all the following forms of environmental damage EXCEPT

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3) The laws that control recombination of genes seem to be much the same for all sexually reproducing organisms. These laws are studied by statistical analysis of large numbers of offspring for several generations. Which of the following organisms would be most useful in experiments to study the laws of recombination of genes?

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4) The early atmosphere of the Earth had no oxygen. It was first produced when bacteria developed the green pigment that made photosynthesis possible. In which of the following groups is the sequence in which organisms appeared on Earth presented correctly?

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5) The graph below shows the changes in the populations of wolves and moose in a northern forest for a period of 6 years. What is the most reasonable explanation of the facts shown?

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6)

When sediments are deposited in the ocean, new layers form on top of preexisting layers. The sediments may eventually turn into fossil bearing rocks. What might a geologist conclude about fossils found in the rock layers shown in the diagram above?

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7) The AIDS virus is transmitted from an infected person by direct introduction of his or her blood or other body fluids into the body of another person. An individual can contract AIDS by any of the following means EXCEPT

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8) Some corn plants may have genes that make them immune to the poisonous effects of herbicides. These genes can arise spontaneously by mutation, and will then be passed on to future generations. What might a plant breeder do to develop a line of corn that would not be killed by herbicides?

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9) Since the middle of the 20th century, many varieties of plants have been developed. What are some reasons for developing new strains of plants?

I. resistance to insects or disease
II. increased nutritional value
III. more water and fertilizer required for growth

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10) Phase changes are processes in which a material changes from one state of matter to another. For example, melting is a phase change in which a solid turns into a liquid. Phase changes involve either the absorption or release of energy. Which of these phase changes would involve the release of energy?

I. freezing (liquid to solid)
II. evaporation (liquid to gas)
III. condensation (gas to liquid)

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11) Today some plants are cloned to produce millions of offspring from a small piece of the original plant. Plant cloning is possible because each plant cell contains a complete blueprint, in the form of chromosomes, for reproducing itself. After a piece of the plant is placed in a growth medium, special plant growth hormones, called auxins and cytokinin, are added to stimulate the production of new plants. The new plants are genetically identical to the original plant and to each other.

The equipment and processes used in cloning are more expensive than those used for other forms of vegetative propagation. The advantage of cloning is that large numbers of plants are produced in a short period of time. For example, a million plants of a new variety can be cloned in about six months. This process is very useful for developing strains of disease resistant crops or plants that not only can survive in a difficult climate but also will produce a large harvest.

For which reason is cloning used to reproduce plants?

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12) Today some plants are cloned to produce millions of offspring from a small piece of the original plant. Plant cloning is possible because each plant cell contains a complete blueprint, in the form of chromosomes, for reproducing itself. After a piece of the plant is placed in a growth medium, special plant growth hormones, called auxins and cytokinin, are added to stimulate the production of new plants. The new plants are genetically identical to the original plant and to each other.

The equipment and processes used in cloning are more expensive than those used for other forms of vegetative propagation. The advantage of cloning is that large numbers of plants are produced in a short period of time. For example, a million plants of a new variety can be cloned in about six months. This process is very useful for developing strains of disease resistant crops or plants that not only can survive in a difficult climate but also will produce a large harvest.

It is possible to clone plants that are identical to their parent plants because

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13) Today some plants are cloned to produce millions of offspring from a small piece of the original plant. Plant cloning is possible because each plant cell contains a complete blueprint, in the form of chromosomes, for reproducing itself. After a piece of the plant is placed in a growth medium, special plant growth hormones, called auxins and cytokinin, are added to stimulate the production of new plants. The new plants are genetically identical to the original plant and to each other.

The equipment and processes used in cloning are more expensive than those used for other forms of vegetative propagation. The advantage of cloning is that large numbers of plants are produced in a short period of time. For example, a million plants of a new variety can be cloned in about six months. This process is very useful for developing strains of disease resistant crops or plants that not only can survive in a difficult climate but also will produce a large harvest.

Which statement describes the hormones auxin and cytokinin?

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14) Today some plants are cloned to produce millions of offspring from a small piece of the original plant. Plant cloning is possible because each plant cell contains a complete blueprint, in the form of chromosomes, for reproducing itself. After a piece of the plant is placed in a growth medium, special plant growth hormones, called auxins and cytokinin, are added to stimulate the production of new plants. The new plants are genetically identical to the original plant and to each other.

The equipment and processes used in cloning are more expensive than those used for other forms of vegetative propagation. The advantage of cloning is that large numbers of plants are produced in a short period of time. For example, a million plants of a new variety can be cloned in about six months. This process is very useful for developing strains of disease resistant crops or plants that not only can survive in a difficult climate but also will produce a large harvest.

How is cloning defined?

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15) Today some plants are cloned to produce millions of offspring from a small piece of the original plant. Plant cloning is possible because each plant cell contains a complete blueprint, in the form of chromosomes, for reproducing itself. After a piece of the plant is placed in a growth medium, special plant growth hormones, called auxins and cytokinin, are added to stimulate the production of new plants. The new plants are genetically identical to the original plant and to each other.

The equipment and processes used in cloning are more expensive than those used for other forms of vegetative propagation. The advantage of cloning is that large numbers of plants are produced in a short period of time. For example, a million plants of a new variety can be cloned in about six months. This process is very useful for developing strains of disease resistant crops or plants that not only can survive in a difficult climate but also will produce a large harvest.

An important difference between plants produced by cloning and plants grown from seed is that

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16) If particles are to be considered water-soluble, they must dissolve in water. In this case, the resulting solution will be clear. Sometimes, however, some of the substance will settle out of the solution, leaving a precipitate on the bottom of the container.

Why do we find the instruction “Shake well before using” on the labels of some medicines?

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17)

The table above shows some common household substances and their acid-base properties. pH is a way of describing the acidity of a substance, with lower pH values being more acidic and higher pH values being more basic (alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral. Methyl red and litmus are examples of acid-base indicators, chemicals that change color depending upon the pH. (Note: Even though taste information is given here, tasting is never considered an acceptable laboratory practice.)

Sour milk would most likely have a pH value closest to

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18)

The table above shows some common household substances and their acid-base properties. pH is a way of describing the acidity of a substance, with lower pH values being more acidic and higher pH values being more basic (alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral. Methyl red and litmus are examples of acid-base indicators, chemicals that change color depending upon the pH. (Note: Even though taste information is given here, tasting is never considered an acceptable laboratory practice.)

A certain brand of detergent has a pH of 10.5. Which of the following properties would it most likely have?

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19)

The table above shows some common household substances and their acid-base properties. pH is a way of describing the acidity of a substance, with lower pH values being more acidic and higher pH values being more basic (alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral. Methyl red and litmus are examples of acid-base indicators, chemicals that change color depending upon the pH. (Note: Even though taste information is given here, tasting is never considered an acceptable laboratory practice.)

An unknown substance has a bitter taste. What color would it most likely turn the two acid-base indicators?

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20) Which of the following general rules is the best explanation of the way an ice cube cools a drink?

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21) When air rises, it expands, and this change makes it cool down. Conversely, when air sinks, it is compressed and becomes warmer. As air cools down, its relative humidity rises; when the relative humidity reaches 100%, moisture condenses out of the air.

The diagram shows the prevailing wind directions and air temperatures at different elevations on both sides of a mountain.

What is the approximate air temperature at the top of the mountain?

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22) When air rises, it expands, and this change makes it cool down. Conversely, when air sinks, it is compressed and becomes warmer. As air cools down, its relative humidity rises; when the relative humidity reaches 100%, moisture condenses out of the air.

The diagram shows the prevailing wind directions and air temperatures at different elevations on both sides of a mountain.

On which side of the mountain and at what elevation is the relative humidity probably 100%?

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23) When air rises, it expands, and this change makes it cool down. Conversely, when air sinks, it is compressed and becomes warmer. As air cools down, its relative humidity rises; when the relative humidity reaches 100%, moisture condenses out of the air.

The diagram shows the prevailing wind directions and air temperatures at different elevations on both sides of a mountain.

How does the temperature of the air change as the air rises on the windward side of the mountain between sea level and 0.5 kilometer?

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24) When air rises, it expands, and this change makes it cool down. Conversely, when air sinks, it is compressed and becomes warmer. As air cools down, its relative humidity rises; when the relative humidity reaches 100%, moisture condenses out of the air.

The diagram shows the prevailing wind directions and air temperatures at different elevations on both sides of a mountain.

Which feature is probably located at the base of the mountain on the leeward side (location X )?

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25)

What is the function of the cell wall?

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26) The following reaction takes place in a reaction vessel:

Heat + A(s) + B(l) → 2C(s) + D(s).

The chemist who is carrying out the reaction in the laboratory repeats the experiment under various conditions in order to produce the maximum possible amounts of substances C and D

This reaction can be classified as

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27) The following reaction takes place in a reaction vessel:

Heat + A(s) + B(l) → 2C(s) + D(s).

The chemist who is carrying out the reaction in the laboratory repeats the experiment under various conditions in order to produce the maximum possible amounts of substances C and D

Which of the following factors will NOT help the chemist to change the speed or rate of the reaction?

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28) The following reaction takes place in a reaction vessel:

Heat + A(s) + B(l) → 2C(s) + D(s).

The chemist who is carrying out the reaction in the laboratory repeats the experiment under various conditions in order to produce the maximum possible amounts of substances C and D

Which equation is NOT correctly balanced?

 

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29) Use the following information to answer Questions

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children in the United States receive certain vaccinations at given ages. Several of these vaccinations are repeated at specific intervals between birth and age six. Many of the diseases for which children are routinely vaccinated today used to pose serious health concerns in the past; however, since vaccinations began, some of these diseases have declined by 100 percent. For example, in the years just prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine, more than 503,000 cases were reported annually. In 2007, there were only 43 cases of the disease.

According to the information given, which of the following can be most properly inferred?

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30) Use the following information to answer Questions

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children in the United States receive certain vaccinations at given ages. Several of these vaccinations are repeated at specific intervals between birth and age six. Many of the diseases for which children are routinely vaccinated today used to pose serious health concerns in the past; however, since vaccinations began, some of these diseases have declined by 100 percent. For example, in the years just prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine, more than 503,000 cases were reported annually. In 2007, there were only 43 cases of the disease.

According to the information given, which is a true statement?

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31) Use the following information to answer Questions

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children in the United States receive certain vaccinations at given ages. Several of these vaccinations are repeated at specific intervals between birth and age six. Many of the diseases for which children are routinely vaccinated today used to pose serious health concerns in the past; however, since vaccinations began, some of these diseases have declined by 100 percent. For example, in the years just prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine, more than 503,000 cases were reported annually. In 2007, there were only 43 cases of the disease.

A patient receives the same vaccination each winter. According to the chart, which disease is this vaccination preventing?

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32) Use the following information to answer Questions

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children in the United States receive certain vaccinations at given ages. Several of these vaccinations are repeated at specific intervals between birth and age six. Many of the diseases for which children are routinely vaccinated today used to pose serious health concerns in the past; however, since vaccinations began, some of these diseases have declined by 100 percent. For example, in the years just prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine, more than 503,000 cases were reported annually. In 2007, there were only 43 cases of the disease.

Diphtheria, a disease caused by bacteria found in the mouth and throat, causes patients to suffer from a sore throat, as well as fever and chills. Untreated, it can lead to complications including heart failure and paralysis. It can be fatal in approximately 10 percent of those who contract the disease and used to be a major cause of death in children. As recently as the 1920s, about 15,000 people died from diphtheria each year. Which assumption can be made regarding this disease?

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33) Use the following information to answer Questions

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that children in the United States receive certain vaccinations at given ages. Several of these vaccinations are repeated at specific intervals between birth and age six. Many of the diseases for which children are routinely vaccinated today used to pose serious health concerns in the past; however, since vaccinations began, some of these diseases have declined by 100 percent. For example, in the years just prior to the introduction of the measles vaccine, more than 503,000 cases were reported annually. In 2007, there were only 43 cases of the disease.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, looks like the common cold; however, after a few weeks, it causes patients to suffer violent coughing spells and may lead to pneumonia, seizures, and brain infections. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread through the air from one person to the next but can be prevented through vaccination. Which type of disease is pertussis?

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34)

When comparing mitosis and meiosis, you can say that both processes

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35) Use the information that follows to answer Questions .

What is the role of the mole in the food web shown?

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36) Use the information that follows to answer Questions .

During which link in the food web is the most energy transferred?

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In-depth Explanations of Concepts

Experimental Design

  1. Hypothesis Formation: A hypothesis is an educated guess that proposes a possible explanation for an observation or a scientific problem. It should be testable and falsifiable.
  2. Variables:
    • Independent Variable: The variable changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.
    • Dependent Variable: The variable being tested and measured is affected by the independent variable.
    • Controlled Variables (Constants): Variables that are kept constant to ensure that the results are due to the manipulation of the independent variable alone.
  3. Control Group: This is the group that does not receive the experimental treatment and is used as a baseline to compare results.
  4. Experimental Group: The group receiving the treatment or the tested variable.
  5. Replication: Repeating the experiment multiple times to ensure reliable and consistent results.

Data Analysis

  1. Collecting Data: Systematically gathering observations and measurements during the experiment.
  2. Organizing Data: Presenting data in tables, charts, graphs, or other formats to make it easier to analyze.
  3. Interpreting Data: Analyzing data to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.
  4. Drawing Conclusions: Determining whether the data supports or refutes the hypothesis.
  5. Reporting Results: Sharing findings through reports, presentations, or publications.

Practice Questions with Detailed Explanations

Example 1: Identifying Variables

Experiment Description: A scientist wants to test the effect of different amounts of sunlight on the growth of tomato plants. She sets up three groups of plants. Group A receives 2 hours of sunlight per day, Group B receives 4 hours of sunlight per day, and Group C gets 6 hours of sunlight per day. All plants are given the same amount of water and nutrients.

Practice Question 1: What is the independent variable in this experiment?

(A) The amount of water
(B) The amount of sunlight
(C) The growth of the tomato plants
(D) The type of tomato plants

Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (B) The amount of sunlight. The independent variable is the factor changed or controlled in the experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable: the amount of sunlight each group of plants receives.

Example 2: Interpreting Data from a Table

Table: Plant Growth Measurements

Group Amount of Sunlight (hours/day) Average Growth (cm)
A 2 10
B 4 15
C 6 20

Practice Question 2: Based on the table, what conclusion can be drawn about the effect of sunlight on tomato plant growth?

(A) More sunlight results in less growth.
(B) More sunlight results in more growth.
(C) Sunlight does not affect plant growth.
(D) The plants grow best with 2 hours of sunlight.

Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (B) More sunlight results in more growth. The table shows that as the amount of sunlight increases, the average growth of the tomato plants also increases, indicating a positive correlation between sunlight and plant growth.

Example 3: Experimental Design

Experiment Description: A researcher wants to determine if a new drug effectively lowers blood pressure. She conducts an experiment with two groups: the control group receives a placebo, and the experimental group receives the new drug. Both groups follow the same diet and exercise regimen.

Practice Question 3: What is the purpose of the control group in this experiment?

(A) To test the effects of the new drug.
(B) To compare the effects of the placebo with the new drug.
(C) Ensure diet and exercise are the only factors affecting blood pressure.
(D) To provide data on blood pressure without any treatment.

Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (B) To compare the effects of the placebo with the new drug. The control group allows the researcher to compare the effects of the new drug against a placebo to determine its effectiveness.

Tips and Strategies for Answering Questions

Experimental Design Tips

  1. Understand the Hypothesis: Grasp the hypothesis being tested in the experiment.
  2. Identify Variables: Distinguish between independent, dependent, and controlled variables.
  3. Analyze the Control Group: Understand the role and purpose of the control group.
  4. Consider Replication: Recognize the importance of repeating experiments to ensure reliable results.

Data Analysis Tips

  1. Organize Data: Arrange data in a clear and understandable format, such as tables or graphs.
  2. Look for Patterns: Identify trends, increases, decreases, and correlations in the data.
  3. Compare Groups: Compare results between control and experimental groups to conclude.
  4. Contextualize Results: Consider the broader implications of the data and whether it supports the hypothesis.

Additional Practice Questions

Practice Question 4: A scientist is testing the effect of pH levels on the growth of bacteria. She sets up five groups with different pH levels: 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

(A) The pH levels
(B) The type of bacteria
(C) The growth of the bacteria
(D) The temperature of the environment

Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (C) The growth of the bacteria. The dependent variable is measured in the experiment, which, in this case, is the growth of the bacteria at different pH levels.

Practice Question 5: In an experiment testing the effect of fertilizer on plant height, what would be a controlled variable?

(A) The type of fertilizer
(B) The height of the plants
(C) The amount of water given to the plants
(D) The growth rate of the plants

Answer and Explanation: The correct answer is (C) The amount of water given to the plants. A controlled variable is kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable (the type of fertilizer).

See also:

Sample Math Tests

Equations and Inequalities

Exponents

Probability

Mean Median Mode

Ratio

Percentages

Algebraic Expressions

Fractions and Decimals

Integers

Pre-Algebra 

Rational Numbers

Average

Age