A group of students conducted an experiment to determine what impacts the rate mold grows on bread. They decided to test whether or not preservatives in the bread made a difference in addition to the temperature in which the bread was stored. They purchased 2 loaves of bread that contain preservatives and 2 loaves that did not. They placed 5 pieces of each type of bread in 6 different environments of various temperatures ranging from 40°F to 85°F. The students were careful that each environment was basically identical except for temperature. After collecting data over 3 weeks the students made the claim that bread containing preservatives has a slower rate of mold growth when compared to bread without preservatives. They also made the claim that storing bread at lower temperatures reduces the rate of mold growth. Consider the following statements made by each student as they discuss what assumptions need to be discussed in their lab reports:Sam: In our report we need to write that we assumed that the two loaves of preservative-free bread were from the same batch and therefore identical to one another in terms of ingredients and age. We also need to write that we assumed the two loaves of bread with preservatives were identical in terms of ingredients and age.Alex: I agree with Sam but we should take it one step further and include a statement that we assumed that all four loaves of bread were actually of the same age and freshness as well.Troy: I agree with both of you, but we also need to include a statement that we assumed that we accurately measured the area of mold growth on each piece of bread.a. I agree most with Sam’s statement.b. I agree most with Alex’s statement.c. I find all three statements severely lacking.d. I agree most with Troy’s statement.
In this scenario, the students conducted an experiment to investigate the rate of mold growth on bread under different conditions
In this scenario, the students conducted an experiment to investigate the rate of mold growth on bread under different conditions. After collecting data, they made claims regarding the effects of preservatives and temperature on the mold growth rate. Now, they need to discuss the assumptions made in their lab reports. Let’s evaluate the statements made by each student:
Sam: Sam suggests writing that the two loaves of preservative-free bread were from the same batch and therefore identical in terms of ingredients and age. This assumption is reasonable because using bread from the same batch helps ensure consistency in the experiment. It eliminates variations in ingredients as a potential impacting factor on the mold growth rate. Additionally, it allows for a more accurate comparison between bread with and without preservatives. Including this assumption in the lab report is necessary to establish the basis for the experiment.
Alex: Alex agrees with Sam but suggests taking it one step further and adding a statement that assumes all four loaves of bread were of the same age and freshness. This additional assumption is also reasonable because using bread of the same age ensures that variations in freshness do not interfere with the comparison between bread with and without preservatives. Including this assumption strengthens the reliability of the experiment and should be included in the lab report.
Troy: Troy agrees with both Sam and Alex and adds that it’s important to assume that the measurement of the area of mold growth on each piece of bread was accurate. This assumption is crucial to ensure the validity of the data. Accurate measurements are necessary to confidently compare the mold growth rates between different conditions. Including this assumption in the lab report is essential as it demonstrates the awareness of the potential for measurement errors and the vigilance taken to minimize them.
Considering the above analysis, the statement made by Troy is the most important. Accurate measurement of the area of mold growth is crucial to ensure reliable results. Including this assumption in the lab report demonstrates the awareness of potential sources of error and reinforces the credibility of the experiment’s conclusions. Therefore, option (d) “I agree most with Troy’s statement” is the most appropriate choice.
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