To address the question of how the experiment tested the hypothesis, let's break down the key steps and observations that were made during the experiment:
1. Hypothesis Formation:
The scientist hypothesized that young rats fed with added vitamins would gain more weight than those fed a normal diet alone.
2. Experimental Design:
- Two groups were formed: one fed a normal diet (control group) and one fed a normal diet with added vitamins (experimental group).
- The weight of the rats in each group was measured at the start of the experiment and after three months.
3. Data Collection:
We use the data from each group to determine the weight gained by each rat in each group. The differences in weight between the starting and ending weights were calculated as follows:
- Control Group (Normal Diet):
- Rat 1: 320g - 256g = 64g
- Rat 2: 347g - 274g = 73g
- Rat 3: 268g - 209g = 59g
- Average weight gain: (64 + 73 + 59) / 3 = 65g
- Experimental Group (Diet with Vitamins):
- Rat 1: 342g - 249g = 93g
- Rat 2: 307g - 221g = 86g
- Rat 3: 381g - 278g = 103g
- Average weight gain: (93 + 86 + 103) / 3 = 94g
4. Analysis and Comparison:
By comparing the average weight gain in both groups:
- Control group average weight gain was 65g.
- Experimental group average weight gain was 94g.
5. Conclusion:
The group of rats that were fed a diet with added vitamins gained more weight on average compared to the group that did not receive vitamins. This outcome supports the hypothesis that added vitamins in the diet would lead to increased weight gain in young rats.
Given these observations, the experiment clearly provided measurable and analyzable data that supported the scientist's hypothesis. The experiment compared the two groups under controlled conditions and effectively tested the hypothesis.
Hence, the correct answer is:
A. The experiment provided reliable data that could be analyzed.
