Question Writing

Testable questions lead to scientific investigations that gather measurable evidence. Different types of investigations may be appropriate depending on the question. Some questions lead to observations, or further research of the topic, while others lead to experiments.

Question Writing Ccriteria:

• Testable questions can be answered through investigations that involve experiments, observations, or surveys.
• Testable questions are answered by collecting and analyzing evidence that is measurable.
• Testable questions relate to scientific ideas rather than personal preference or moral values.
• Testable questions do not relate to the supernatural or to nonmeasurable phenomena.
  

When considering a testable question you need to think about how it can be tested.

Example Questions & Investigations

Fast Food and Cancer?

• Example Question: Does food served at Quick and Tasty contain chemicals that can lead to cancer?
• Example Investigation: Test food from Quick and Tasty for chemicals that are associated with cancer.

• Example Question: Is cancer more common today than in the past?
• Example Investigation: Compare the incidences of several types of cancer today and 20 or 50 years ago.

Healthy Diet? It’s Up to You!

• Example Question: Do obese people select different food items at Quick and Tasty compared with people of normal weights?
• Example Investigation: Observe and record the food choices at Quick and Tasty of obese and normal-weight people.

• Example Question: Are the salads served at Quick and Tasty as nutritious as similar salads served at more expensive restaurants?
• Example Investigation: Obtain comparable salads from Quick and Tasty and several more expensive restaurants. Analyze them for their nutritive content.

Weight a Minute!

• Example Question: Does a typical meal at Quick and Tasty contain more calories than recommended for an average person?
• Example Investigation: Determine the number of calories in several of the Quick and Tasty meals and compare this with recommended calorie intakes.

• Example Question: Are the food portions served at Quick and Tasty larger than those recommended for a healthy diet?
• Example Investigation: Obtain various food items from Quick and Tasty. Compare their portion sizes with the recommended ones.