1.

8 Scientific Method Research

Jasmyn Gould

June 17, 2020

Read the article and answer the following questions in complete sentences.

Will lock down lowliness make us losers?

Reduce social preference in isolated zebrafish is caused by stress and anxiety, not observed
antisocial patterns
Website: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200610112057.htm

1. What is the problem being investigated?

PH students have set out to test whether the brain activity of isolated zebrafish mimics that of
loner fish or whether other forces were at play.
2. Describe the experiment in your own words.
The researchers isolated the zebrafish from the other fish for two days and then compare their
brain activity to zebrafish who were not in any form of isolation.
3. Briefly provide the background information the researchers may have used to develop
a testable hypothesis.
Most zebrafish demonstrate pro-social behavior, but approximately 10% are 'loner' fish who
are averse to social cues and demonstrate different brain activity than their pro-social siblings.
However, even typically social zebrafish avoid social interaction after a period of isolation.
4. What is the independent variable in the study/experiment (what is the factor that was
different between the control group and test group)? What was the dependent
variable in the study/experiment (what did researchers measure a change in)?
Independent variable: the controlled group was isolated for two days. While as the test group
was free to go about their business. The test group was made up of zebrafish who
demonstrated aversion to social interaction without isolation.
Dependent variable: The researchers measured a change in brain activity of the isolated fish.
The isolated fish demonstrated sensitivity to stimuli and had increased activity in the brain
regions related to stress and anxiety.