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. Which of the following hormones would cause skin color to become darker?

A. Follicle-stimulating
B. Growth-stimulating
C. Thyroid-stimulating
D. Melanocyte-stimulating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Melanocyte-stimulating. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) stimulates melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin, leading to darker skin pigmentation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates follicle growth in the reproductive system, Growth-stimulating hormone is a vague term not specific to any known hormone, and Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, not affecting skin color pigmentation.

3. Which of these is NOT a function of the large intestine?

A. Absorbing water and electrolytes
B. Producing vitamins
C. Breaking down fiber
D. Eliminating waste products

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A) Absorbing water and electrolytes: The large intestine plays a crucial role in absorbing water and electrolytes from the indigestible food matter that passes through it. This helps in maintaining the body's fluid balance and preventing dehydration. B) Producing vitamins: While the large intestine contains bacteria that can produce some vitamins like vitamin K and certain B vitamins, the primary site for vitamin production is the small intestine and other organs like the liver. Therefore, producing vitamins is not a primary function of the large intestine. C) Breaking down fiber: The large intestine is responsible for breaking down fiber that was not digested in the small intestine. The bacteria in the large intestine ferment fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that can be used as an energy source by the body. D) Eliminating waste products: One of the main functions of the large intestine is to eliminate waste products, including indigestible food matter, dead cells, and bacteria, from the body in the form of feces. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as producing vitamins is not a primary function of the large intestine.

4. Which structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication and coordination between them?

A. Corpus callosum
B. Thalamus
C. Hypothalamus
D. Medulla oblongata

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the corpus callosum. It is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain, facilitating communication and coordination between them. The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, the hypothalamus regulates basic functions like hunger and thirst, and the medulla oblongata controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not specifically connect the two hemispheres of the brain as the corpus callosum does.

5. Which type of capillary is the most permeable?

A. Continuous capillaries
B. Sinusoidal capillaries
C. Fenestrated capillaries
D. Vascular capillaries

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sinusoidal capillaries are indeed the most permeable type. They are characterized by large gaps between endothelial cells, allowing for the passage of large molecules and cells. These capillaries are commonly found in organs like the liver, bone marrow, and spleen where high permeability is required for specialized functions such as filtration and exchange of substances. Continuous capillaries have tight junctions and are the least permeable, found in muscles, lungs, and the central nervous system where strict control over permeability is needed. Fenestrated capillaries, on the other hand, have small pores or fenestrations and are intermediate in permeability, found in organs like the kidneys, endocrine glands, and intestines where selective permeability is necessary. Vascular capillaries is not a specific type of capillary and is not a valid choice.