A scientific study was conducted by researchers at the University of Nebraska to monitor the responses of dissolved oxygen levels in
local ponds to the addition of nitrogen. The researchers added
equal amounts of nitrogen fertilizer to 5 ponds, waited an appropriate
length of time and then collected data on dissolved oxygen
levels at the end of the experiment. All of the data collected by the
researchers during the course of the experiment is listed in the
table below:
Table 1. Dissolved oxygen levels in five ponds at the end of the experiment.
Pond 1:
5 mg/ml oxygen
Pond 2:
6 mg/ml oxygen
Pond 3:
3 mg/ml oxygen
Pond 4:
4 mg/ml oxygen
Pond 5:
5 mg/ml oxygen
Based solely on the results of this experiment the researchers concluded that adding nitrogen had reduced the dissolved oxygen
content in
the ponds and that the addition of nitrogen fertilizer was harming aquatic life.
Which of the following questions (that should be considered when trying to gain reliable knowledge) would reveal potential flaws in
the following
study?
a. Question the source
b. Question the methods
c. Question the conclusions
d. Question the paradigm
OC & D above
O Question the methods
O A, B, C, & D
OA & C above
O Question the conclusions
O Question the source
OB & C above
O Question the paradigm
A&B above