How to Write a Testable Question

What is a “Testable Question?” A testable question is one that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment.

How do you Write a Testable Question? Testable questions should always have the same format… How does the (cause/IV) affect the effect/DV?

How to Turn a Non-Testable Question into a Testable Question Step 1: Read the question carefully. Example: Which brand of shoe makes you run faster Nike or New Balance?

How to Turn a Non-Testable Question into a Testable Question Step 2: Determine the cause and the effect in the question. Example : Which brand of shoe makes you run faster Nike or New Balance? In this case, the idea is that the brand of shoe causes your speed to change. So, the shoe brand is the cause, the speed that you run is the effect.

Example Question Which brand of shoe makes you run faster Nike or New Balance? Underline the cause Circle the effect

How to Turn a Non-Testable Question into a Testable Question Step 3: Plug the cause and the effect into the format… The cause goes in the first blank, and the effect goes in the second blank. Cause: shoe brand Effect: speed “How does the cause affect the effect? So the correct testable question looks like… “ How does shoe brand affect speed?”

Practice Problem 1 Non-Testable: Does carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause the atmosphere to warm? Underline the cause Circle the effect

Practice Problem 1 Cause: carbon dioxide Effect: warming (temperature) “How does the cause affect the effect?” Testable question: How does carbon dioxide affect atmosphere temperature?

Practice Problem 2 Non-Testable: Is achievement in school higher when students are tested frequently? Underline the cause Circle the effect

Practice Problem 2 Cause: testing Effect: student achievement “How does the cause affect the effect?” Testable: How does testing affect student achievement??