Question

A scientist wishes to determine whether using compost and nitrogen-rich fertilizer together will be more effective than using either alone. She hypothesizes that if she uses a combination of compost and nitrogen-rich fertilizer, then the plants that she grows will be taller and will grow more abundantly than they would if she used either independently. To test her hypothesis, the scientist designs an experiment using groups of plants, with each group receiving different treatment, and with each group monitored and measured. What is the minimum number of groups of plants that the experiment will require? A. two B. three C. four D. five

Short answer

The minimum number of groups of plants required for the experiment is 4, which includes 1. Compost only group, 2. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer only group, 3. Combination of compost and nitrogen-rich fertilizer group, and 4. Control group (No treatment). The correct answer is C. four.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Treatments

To determine the minimum number of groups, we need to understand the different treatments that are needed to evaluate the given hypothesis. We have three treatments in this scenario: 1. Compost only 2. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer only 3. Combination of compost and nitrogen-rich fertilizer In addition to these treatments, we should also have a control group that doesn't receive any treatment.

Determine the Number of Groups Needed

Now that we understand the treatments, we can determine the minimum number of groups required by counting the treatments and adding the control group: 1. Compost only group 2. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer only group 3. Combination of compost and nitrogen-rich fertilizer group 4. Control group (No treatment) Therefore, the minimum number of groups of plants required for the experiment is 4. So the correct answer is C. four.