Self-Learning Home Task (SLHT)

Subject: Research I Level: 9 Q2 Week 3-4 SLHT 2

MELCs: Formulate hypothesis.
Explain the relationship between and among variables.

A. Introduction
Thomas Alva Edison discovered the tungsten filament using trial and error. He never
gave up despite the many busted bulbs. Goodyear accidentally discovered rubber, a very
important discovery making transportation possible. Albert Einstein discovered the
relationship between matter and energy by his intuition and intelligence. William Perkins
discovered a synthetic dye by chance while looking for something else. This method of
discovering something else of value by chance is known as serendipity. Nevertheless, not all
individuals can spot something of value by chance. It takes a lot of skills and attitudes to do
so. Indeed, scientists use different methods in solving problems, but they follow certain steps
in conducting scientific investigations known as the scientific method. The scientific method
is a pattern or body of techniques used to investigate a phenomenon, acquire new knowledge,
or correct and integrate previous knowledge.
Activity 1 “We Could Be Like Scientists Too”
Read carefully the story about a student, named Nadia and answer the questions that
follow.
Nadia developed her interest in plants during the pandemic. She is collecting a
variety of roses in her garden as she loves to see flowers every day. One day, she noticed
that her roses are not growing well. They are stunted. With this, she wanted to make her
plants grow faster and healthier. She recalled from her Grade 7 science teacher that either
organic or inorganic fertilizer can help plants grow better when given to the plants
properly. Recently, Nadia saw an advertisement from television about the new organic
fertilizer (OrganicGrowyTM) that can enhance the growth of a plant and she is curious to
try it. She thought that if inorganic fertilizer can help plants grow fast, then an organic
fertilizer can be as effective as the proven inorganic fertilizer!
On the following day, she conducted a 15-day experiment to determine if the
OrganicGrowy is comparable to proven, inorganic fertilizer available in the market today.
She set up 3 identical pots, and labeled each pot with paint, as “A”, “B” and “C”. All pots
were added with an equal amount of garden soil, watered, weeds removed and were placed
in the same area. After planting 5 rose plants in each pot, she noted the following: Pot A
is added with ordinary garden soil only and no fertilizer. Pot B is added with ordinary
garden soil + 3 grams inorganic fertilizer (NPK). Pot C is added with ordinary garden soil
+ 3 grams OrganicGrowy. The addition of fertilizer is based on the recommended methods
from the manufacturer of fertilizer added. All roses from the 3 pots are of the same type
and were given an adequate and equal amount of water, watered twice daily, and were
exposed to the same duration of sunlight.
Every 3 days since the planting of roses, Nadia visited the three pots to record the
changes in the following dependent variables: (a) height (cm) of each plant, (b) length
(cm) of the longest leaf, and (c) width (cm) of the largest leaf. In addition to these
variables, she also noted the presence of insects, wilting leaves, flower buds growing, and
pollinators. In her record notebook, she made 6 columns. Column 1 is for the list of
 experimental and control set-ups, while columns 2-6 are for the data collected on day 3,
day 6, day 9, day 12, and day 15, respectively.
On day 15, she found out that pot A produced the shortest rose plant, shortest leaf
length, and narrowest leaf width. However, she was surprised that pot B and pot C has
very similar growth attributes in terms of plant height, length of leaves, and width of
leaves. Nadia concluded that organic and inorganic fertilizer produced a comparable effect
on rose plants. She then shared her findings to her mother and aunts as they are “certified
plantitas” whom she thinks will benefit from her findings.
NOTE: OrganicGrowy is a hypothetical fertilizer.
Questions to ponder:
1. What characteristics are being shown by Nadia? Are you like her?
2. What is Nadia’s problem?
3. How did Nadia find the solution to her problem? What did she do?

B. Readings/Discussion
In the activity, you read a story about how an ordinary person like Nadia investigated
scientifically and systematically. Yes, everyone can investigate like how scientists do.
Investigating is just one activity in science, but a very important one. It requires the
application of all the basic science process skills that you have learned in Module 1. For you
to know how scientific investigations are done, let us get to know the steps using the
scientific method.

Observing
Making observations is one of the science basic process skills. Data can be gathered
when we observed. These data can be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative data is in the
form of descriptions and is acquired through one’s senses. It cannot be measured as it is
based on the quality of the material or events. On the other hand, quantitative data can be
measured with the use of measuring instruments, it quantifies things. Looking back at
Nadia’s story, what did Nadia observe? Correct, she noticed that her roses are not growing
well and that they are stunted.

Identifying and Formulating the Problem

When we observed, problems are identified as we tend to question the whys and hows
of observed phenomena. Like when Nadia observed that her plants are stunted, she asked
how to make her plants grow faster and healthier. In this case, a question has been raised.
When questions are raised, the search for answers begins.
Here are the guide questions in identifying the problem for investigation:
✓ What is the topic or project that you want to work on?
✓ Is it meant to solve a problem? Explain a phenomenon? Produce a new product?
Produce a new gadget or equipment?
✓ Specifically, what questions will the study answer?

Collecting Relevant Information about the Problem/Topic

When problems are identified, preliminary data are gathered about the problem to
establish the background of the study. It could be done by referring to the works of others in
books or articles. Further, preliminary data can be acquired from observing, interviewing,
and questioning reliable sources. This step helps the researcher learn more about the
problem. These collected preliminary data will be the basis of the researcher in proposing
the possible solution to the problem. As you have read with Nadia’s story, Nadia made use
of her prior knowledge about fertilizers and gardening from her teacher. She also considers
what she saw on television about a certain organic fertilizer. Here are the guide questions in
gathering preliminary data about the problem to be investigated:
✓ What pertinent information about the topic or problem is available in reference books?
✓ What studies similar to what is being investigated have been conducted before? What
were the findings of those similar studies?
✓ How does the topic under study differ from those that have been conducted before?

Formulating Hypothesis
A hypothesis is often referred to as an educated guess. It is an educated guess as it is
based on the gathered preliminary data about the problem. It is not similar to random guesses.
The hypothesis is known as the tentative solution or a temporary explanation to the problem
for investigation. Going back to our scientist in the making, what was Nadia’s hypothesis?
Correct, he hypothesized that OrganicGrowy has a comparable effect to the proven inorganic
fertilizer that are readily available in the market.
Guide questions in formulating Hypothesis:
✓ If the study aims to explain a certain phenomenon, what is a possible explanation based
on the preliminary data that were gathered?
✓ If the study aims to solve a problem, what is the possible solution?

Designing and Conducting an Experiment

How do researchers test their hypotheses? Some hypotheses can be tested by making
observations. Others can be tested by using models and relating them to real-life situations.
However, the common way to test a hypothesis is by performing experiments. How did
Nadia test if her hypothesis is correct? That’s true. She experimented. First, she prepared
three identical pots with an equal number and the same type of roses. Pot A is added with
ordinary garden soil only. Pot B is added with ordinary garden soil + 3 grams inorganic
fertilizer (NPK). Pot C is added with ordinary garden soil + 3 grams OrganicGrowy. She
then observed the roses in each pot for 15 days.
An experiment is a series of activities done to answer a question or solve a problem.
It tests the effect of one thing on another using a control. A control is a standard by which
the test results can be compared. In doing experiments, a control set-up is used as a reference
or standard against the experimental set-ups. The experimental set-up is the set-up wherein
a variable is altered to test the hypothesis. An experiment contains at least two variables- the
independent or manipulated variable, and the dependent or responding variable. Variables
are factors or conditions tested in an experiment. The independent variable is the factor or
condition that is being changed to test a hypothesis. On the other hand, the dependent
variable is the factor that changes in response to the independent variable.
Questions to ponder:
1. What were the variables in Nadia’s experiment?
2. Which one is the independent or manipulated variable?
3. Which one is the dependent or responding variable?
4. What are the variables held constant by Nadia?
5. Is a fair test visible in Nadia’s experiment? How did she do it?
In Nadia’s experiment, she wanted to determine if the effectivity of OrganicGrowy
and marketed inorganic fertilizer to plant growth are comparable. So, the type of fertilizer
and the growth of the plants are the variables. The type of fertilizer is the independent
variable as it is the one that is manipulated while the growth of the plants as seen on (a)
height (cm) of each plant, (b) length (cm) of the longest leaf, and (c) width (cm) of the largest
leaf is the dependent variable as it is the effect. Did Nadia conduct fair testing? Yes. Nadia
has three set-ups: the control set-up and the experimental set-ups. Her control set-up is the
pot of roses with only garden soil while her experimental set-ups were Pot B and C
containing inorganic and OrganicGrowy fertilizers, respectively. The effectiveness of the
fertilizers will be evident based on the three indicators of plants’ growth. The pot of roses
without fertilizer is used as a reference. Further, Nadia altered only one variable (type of
fertilizer) while keeping all the other variables the same (size and shape of pots, type and
number of roses used, amount of water and garden soil, frequency in watering the plants,
and duration of exposure to sunlight. It is very important as it will give the researcher
accurate data that it is only the altered variable that causes the difference. If multiple
variables are altered at the same time, it would be difficult to determine which one causes
the difference. In this case, we could say that a fair test had been conducted.
Here is an illustration:

EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP

Pot B: with ordinary garden soil +3

grams inorganic fertilizer (NPK)

CONTROL SET-UP

Pot A: with ordinary garden soil

only

EXPERIMENTAL SET-UP

Pot C: with ordinary garden soil +3

grams OrganicGrowy

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: type of fertilizer

DEPENDENT VARIABLE: growth of the roses as seen on (a) height (cm) of each rose,
(b) length (cm) of the longest leaf, and (c) width (cm) of the largest leaf

EXPERIMENTAL CONSTANTS: size and shape of pots, type and number of roses
used, amount of water and garden soil, frequency in watering the plants, and time duration
of exposure to sunlight
Gathering/Collecting Data from the Experiment
As experiments are conducted, data can be gathered by observing the process and
outcomes of the experiment. Qualitative and quantitative data should be recorded. Taking
notes of the investigation by writing details in a project data logbook and documenting
investigations by taking pictures and videos are means of collecting and gathering data.
Everything that happens during an experiment is considered as data. Every change and detail
observed must be recorded and noted. This is shown in Nadia’s story as she recorded the
changes in the plants’ growth in her record notebook.

Organizing and Presenting Data

Data that are recorded and organized is very important in a scientific investigation as
all possible explanations of the problem can be obtained from this information. To deduce
and infer information from the recorded data, these gathered data must be organized into
easy-to-be-read tables and graphs.
 Now, let us learn the different means of organizing data.
Tabular
This is the style of organizing raw data collected from research and experiments
wherein data are presented in rows and columns. The use of tables allows large amounts of
data to be sorted and reorganized in a neat format, showing only the relevant data. Data are
tabulated for the following reasons:
✓ To simplify the complex data
✓ To bring out essential features of the data
✓ To facilitate comparison
✓ To facilitate statistical analysis
✓ Saving of space
Here are some examples of tabulated data:
Table 1
Average Height (cm) of Roses after 6 days in the Control and Experimental Set-Ups
Set-ups Average Height (cm) of Roses after 6 days
Pot A 3.33
Pot B 5.31
Pot C 5.28
Table 2
Effect of Soil Temperature on the Germination Rate of Pumpkin Seeds
Soil Temperature Germination Rate (%)
Average Germination Rate (%)
(⁰C) Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
20 65 68 68 67
24 76 78 80 78
28 88 86 85 86
32 71 68 70 70
Question to ponder: What can you infer from the tabulated data?

Correct! In Table 1, we can infer that the plants grow faster in pots B and C, compared
to that of pot A. In addition, the height of the roses in pots B and C are comparable. Whereas
in Table 2, we can say that the pumpkin seeds germinate best at 28 °C. When the temperature
is raised beyond 28 °C, the germination rate decreases. Hence, temperature above 28 °C is
not good for pumpkin seeds.

Graphical
Data can also be presented using graphs. The relationship between data, information,
and concepts can be visualized by looking at a graph. Patterns can be spotted. There are
different kinds of graphs that can be used to display information, these include line, bar,
histogram, and circle graphs. The type of graph to be used depends on what type of data is
available. Common, let us learn the common types of graphs.

Common types of graphs:

1. Line Graphs
The line graph is one of the most commonly used graphs in scientific studies. It is used
to show continuous data and is useful for predicting future events over time. In constructing
line graphs, choose a scale that makes the graph readable. The horizontal x-axis contains the
independent variable while the vertical y-axis contains the dependent variable. Use
consistent units and intervals. Once the data are plotted as points, connecting the points will
produce a line that will show you a pattern or a relationship between variables. Line graphs
are useful as they show data trends very clearly which can help in making predictions about
the results of data not yet recorded.
Here is an example:

Photo credits:
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/mesh/mesh/disciplines_using_maths/biology/graphs/types_of_graphs

Correct! The two variables in the study are the depth of the water and the number of
bubbles produced per minute by plant X wherein the depth of the water is the independent
variable and the number of bubbles produced per minute is the dependent variable. Based on
the line graph presented above, as the depth increases, the number of bubbles produced per
minute decreases. Accordingly, there is an inverse relationship between the two variables.
Therefore, based on the pattern identified, there will be less than 5 bubbles per minute that
will be produced by plant X at the depth of 50m.

2. Bar graphs
A bar graph, otherwise known as a bar chart, is a pictorial representation of data using
bars of uniform width but of different heights. The graph usually compares different
categories. Although the graphs can be plotted vertically (bars standing up) or horizontally
(bars laying flat from left to right), the most usual type of bar graph is vertical.
The horizontal (x) axis represents the categories; The vertical (y) axis represents a
value for those categories. A bar graph is useful for looking at a set of data and making
comparisons. They are also used to track change over time provided that the changes are
significant. Further, they are used to plot discrete data, meaning data that can only take
certain, finite values like the number of animals in an area.
Here is an example:
 Photo credits: https://labwrite.ncsu.edu/res/gt/gt-bar-home.html
That is right! Animals in area 54 are not distributed evenly. Some animals are more
numerous than others. Foxes are present the most while bears are the fewest among the
mammals present in the area. We can deduce that area 54 is a forested, wild environment.

3. Histograms
If discrete data are presented in bar graphs, continuous data are presented in
histograms. Continuous data are data that are not fixed, meaning they can take any value
within a range of values. Examples of continuous data are a person’s height, time in a race,
the dog’s weight, the length of a leaf, etc.
A histogram is a graphical display of data using bars of different heights. In a
histogram, each bar groups numbers into ranges. Taller bars show that more data falls in that
range. It is similar to a bar graph, but it shows no gaps between the bars.

4. Circle graph
It is also known as the pie chart. It is a special type of chart that uses “pie slices” to
show relative sizes of data. This type of graph shows the relationship of the parts to the
whole. Usually, the amounts in each pie or sector are represented in percent, so that all the
amounts will sum up to 100%.

Amazing! Indeed, type O blood is the most common blood type among the 25 donors.
On the contrary, type AB is the rarest comprising only 16 %. Moreover, type A is more
abundant than type B as presented on the graph. HOORAY! You are great.
 There are many ways in which data can be organized and presented. These are just
some. You can browse the net and read more books about the other types of graphs and other
means of organizing and presenting data if you want to know more. Further, you can create
graphs using Excel. If you have a computer at home, you can explore how graphs and tables
can be made. You will be needing that skill someday. Aja!!!

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

When data are organized in tables and graphs, you can visualize the relationships
among the variables. It would be easier for you to compare and infer information. For
instance, it would be easier for Nadia to infer as to in what set-up that her roses grow best
when data are tabulated, just like what is shown below.
Table 1
Average Height (cm) of Roses after 6 days in the Control and Experimental Set-Ups
Set-ups Average Height (cm) of Roses after 6 days
Pot A 3.33
Pot B 5.31
Pot C 5.28
Moreover, when data are tabulated and graphed, trends and patterns can be observed
which will help explain relationships among variables and in predicting outcomes as well.

Making a Conclusion
Based on the analysis and interpretation of data, the researcher or investigator will be
guided either to accept or reject the hypothesis. From this, a conclusion or a generalization
can be made about the study. For an instance, based on Nadia’s experiment, she concluded
that her roses grow faster both in marketed inorganic and OrganicGrowy fertilizers in
comparison to her roses with only ordinary garden soil. Further, she deduced that
OrganicGrowy has a comparable effect to marketed inorganic fertilizer.

Verifying the Study

When the experiment showed positive results, it is recommended that the experiment
will be repeated at least three times to make sure that the findings are the same. The
experiment can be conducted by the same or another person using the same procedures and
conditions. If the findings are almost the same, the conclusion is deemed to be valid. To
prevent committing errors and false, one-time success, repeated trials or replications were
used.
You had learned about the different steps of the scientific method. The skills involved
in the process are known as the integrated science process skills. In the next module, we will
explore scientific research and investigations. Before that, let us do this.

C. Exercise/s
I. Read the research abstract below. A research abstract is a summary of a study, it is
generally composed of 150 to 250 words. Afterward, do what is asked. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.
 The Effectivity of Vitamin A Tablets in the Growth of Tomato Plants

Jones, Mary E.
123 Main St., Hometown, IA 50001 Hometown Middle School, Hometown, IA

The purpose of this project was to determine if Vitamin A tablets have any effect on
tomato plants. A total of twelve Rutgers tomato plants each two inches tall were planted in
identical individual plastic pots using two cups of potting soil. Each plant received the same
amount of water and sunlight during the three-week experiment. The twelve plants were
divided into four groups of three plants each. One vitamin A tablet was added to each of the
three plants in the first group by burying the tablet one inch from the stem and one inch deep.
Two vitamin A tablets were added to the second group of three plants in a similar manner.
The third group of three plants had three tablets planted in the soil. The fourth group of three
plants had no vitamin A tablets added to the soil and served as the control group. The height
of each plant was measured and recorded at the start of the experiment and every 7 days
thereafter. At the end of the experiment (21 days), the stems were cut across at a height of 3
inches. Experimental groups showed less development and slower growth rates than plants
in the control group. The data was analyzed, and the conclusion was drawn that giving
vitamin A tablets to tomato plants did not improve growth as each of the three experimental
groups failed to produce plants that were taller or had thicker stems than those in the control
group. The researcher suggests that other plant varieties will be tested to determine if vitamin
A does not affect plant growth.
Source:https://www.npsri.net/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?moduleinstanceid=3422&dataid=5973&FileName=abstract_examples.
pdf

From the research abstract:

a. Identify the following:
▪ Problem to be solved
▪ Hypothesis
▪ Dependent variable
▪ Independent variable
▪ Controlled variables
▪ Control set-up
▪ Experimental set-up
b. State the following
▪ Findings of the study
▪ Conclusion
▪ Recommendation

II. Complete the paragraph below by filling in the missing words or phrases. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.
In doing scientific investigations, scientists follow a general pattern of techniques
known as the _______________ (1). It all started with doing ____________(2) to one’s
surroundings wherein problems are identified. After which the scientist collected relevant
preliminary data to give a temporary solution or explanation to the problem known as the
_________ (3). This tentative answer to the problem is tested by conducting __________
(4). In this process, variables are tested. The altered or modified variable is known as the
_____________ (5) while the responding variable is the ______________ (6). In
experimenting, only one variable is changed at a time to guarantee a ________ (7) test. Data
are gathered, collected, and organized. Data can be organized in ___________ (8) or
__________ (9) means. Organized data can then be analyzed and interpreted so that a
________________ (10) can be generated from the study which is an answer to the problem.
The study can be verified by having more trials or doing replicates. Results and findings of
the study are communicated to serve the purpose of every scientific investigation wherein
data can be presented in tables and graphs to better convey the information.

III. Study the graph below. Answer the questions that follow.
The Level of Importance of the Socioeconomic Activities in the Kanlaob-Matutinao
River System

1. What type of graph is shown above?

2. Among all the socioeconomic benefits of the Kanlaob-Matutinao river system, which
one is considered by the residents as the most beneficial to them?
3. Among all the socioeconomic benefits of the Kanlaob-Matutinao river system, which
one is considered by the residents as the least beneficial to them?

IV. Study the given tabulated data below. Organize the data properly by choosing the
appropriate graph to be used, then answer the questions that follow.

4. What type of graph is best to be used in organizing

this data?
5. What are the two variables in the study?
6. What is the independent variable?
7. What is the dependent variable?
8. At what soil temperature is the average germination
rate the highest?
9. At what soil temperature is the average germination
rate the lowest?
10. What information can you infer from the graph?

D. Assessment/Application
Read the following situations carefully. Analyze given data and illustrations as well.
Then, give what is asked in every item. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. Mina carried out an experiment using set-ups A, B, and C. In container A, she had
water with ice and a thermometer. In container B, she had tap water and a thermometer. In
container C, she had warm water and a thermometer. In each of the three containers, she
added sugar cubes. What do you think is Mina trying to find out?
2. Jose wanted to find out how long it takes for parachutes made of different materials to
fall on the ground. He made parachutes of the same sizes but of different materials. He
dropped them from different heights.
a. Is this test fair? Why or why not?
b. If it is not a fair test, how can you make it fair?
 3. Alexa wanted to study the effect of temperature on the rate at which solid substances
dissolve in a liquid. Here is the result of her experiment in tabular form.

Questions to ponder:
3.1. What two variables are involved in
the study?
3.2. Which one is the dependent
variable? The independent variable?
3.3. Based on the table, at what
temperature that the substance dissolves the
fastest?

Photo credits:
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/scientific-reports/

4. Graph the tabulated data in item number 3.

4.1. What is the relationship between temperature and rate of solubility?
4.2. What do you think is the rate of solubility if the solvent is heated to 100 ° C?

E. Suggested Enrichment/Reinforcement Activity/ies

You were asked by your teacher to conduct a scientific investigation for your Research
1 subject. List down five possible scientific problems that you want to investigate.

References:
Obtained from Research I-Grade 8 Q1 Module 2 Scientific Method and the Integrated Science
Process Skills (DepEd Cebu City)

Prepared by:
JAEMAICA P. GIMENA
Teacher I