1. Testable Questions

2. Guidelines for Testable Questions A. A question is likely to be testable if it uses question words like whether, when, where, what, how many, how much, and how often, rather than question words like why. B. If the specific issue to be tested is stated in your question and you list the specific items that will be involved, then your question is likely to be testable. C. A question is likely to be testable if it describes the conditions under which to conduct the test. D. A question is likely to be testable if it describes the criteria the will be used to judge the outcome of the test. A question is likely to be testable if it can be tested using available resources and procedures.

3. Protocol for Testing the Question A protocol is a plan or procedure for a basic investigation. It serves as a standard for controlling variables. Predict what you think the answer to your testable question will be. Record your prediction and explain why. Obtain the bolt and nut. When the person responsible for keeping track of time says begin, the person performing the task will pick up the nut and bolt and attempt to put the bolt on the nut. d. Switch places and repeat steps b – c. e. Have on person at a time use the masking tape to tape her thumbs to her hands. f. Repeat steps b – d. g. Share your results with the rest of the class and record the class data in your journal. Analyze your results and those of the rest of the class. Answer your original question, and explain connections between your results and your predictions. h. Identify the limits, exceptions, or alternate interpretations of the results.