16Hit1600
Expression of IdeasHardPresenting a null result with its method

Expression of Ideas practice question

While researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: - A study tested whether music helps plants grow. - Sixty pea plants were split into two groups of thirty. - One group heard music for four hours a day; the other grew in silence. - Both groups had the same light and water. - After a month there was no difference in height between the groups.

The student wants to present the study's result together with how it was obtained. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?

  1. A. With light and water held the same, sixty pea plants split between music and silence showed no difference in height after a month.Correct
  2. B. Sixty pea plants were used in the study.
  3. C. Music makes pea plants grow taller.
  4. D. The plants grown in silence were taller after a month.

Answer: A. With light and water held the same, sixty pea plants split between music and silence showed no difference in height after a month.

Method (matched conditions, two groups) and result (no difference) together — choice A.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. Sixty pea plants were used in the study.
Sample size only, no result.
C. Music makes pea plants grow taller.
The notes found NO difference.
D. The plants grown in silence were taller after a month.
The notes found no difference either way.

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