# Interpreting Chemistry Research Results
After understanding the experimental design, you need to interpret the results: draw conclusions, identify patterns across experiments, and evaluate whether the data supports a hypothesis.
1. Drawing Conclusions
Steps
- Look at the data for each experiment
- Identify the trend (relationship between IV and DV)
- State the conclusion using the data as evidence
- Consider whether the conclusion is supported or contradicted
Example
Experiment shows: higher temperature → more gas produced in same time Conclusion: increasing temperature increases the rate of reaction
2. Comparing Across Experiments
Research Summary passages often have 2-4 experiments:
- Experiment 1: baseline
- Experiment 2: one change from Experiment 1
- Experiment 3: another change
Compare results to isolate the effect of each variable.
3. Predictions and Extrapolations
ACT may ask: "Based on the results, what would happen if...?"
- Extend the trend logically
- Use the established relationship
- Don't go beyond what the data reasonably supports
4. Evaluating Hypotheses
A hypothesis is supported if the data matches the prediction. A hypothesis is NOT supported if the data contradicts it.
The ACT doesn't expect you to know the chemistry — just whether the data matches the claim.
5. Practice Questions
- Three experiments test different concentrations. Which concentration gives the fastest reaction? What evidence supports this?
- A student hypothesised that adding salt would increase the boiling point. The data shows BP increased from 100°C to 102°C. Is the hypothesis supported?
- Based on Experiments 1-3, predict the result for a new set of conditions.
- Two experiments contradict each other. What additional experiment would help resolve this?
- A student claims the catalyst increased the total product. Does the data support this?
Want to check your answers and get step-by-step solutions?
6. ACT Tips
- Conclusions MUST be supported by the data shown
- Don't bring in outside knowledge unless it directly helps interpret the data
- If two experiments differ, find the single variable that changed
- "Supported" vs "proven" — science supports hypotheses, doesn't prove them
- Prediction questions: just extend the trend