Scientific Method

1
Scientific Method
2
Science

• A process, not just a set of facts
• A way of learning about and understanding nature
• Uncertainty arises because not everything that
  scientists study are they able to observe
  directly
• There are no absolute facts or absolute laws
  governing science
• In science we test, challenge and question ideas

3
The Scientific Method

• An open-ended systematic way of gathering,
  processing information and coming to conclusions
  about nature
• There really is no specific order but there are
  common steps that include
• Observing
• Hypothesizing
• Experimenting
• Collecting and organizing data
• Interpreting data and coming to a conclusion
• Communicating the results

4
Observation

• Noticing something about the world
• Qualitative- notice using your five senses
• Quantitative- measured observations

5
Hypothesis

• An attempt to explain observations
• An educated guess
• If..then.statement

6
Experiment

• Tests the hypothesis
• Variable- the factor whose effects are to be
  studied
• The change that is made or caused

7
Variables

• Independent Variable cause the change that is
  controlled by the experimenter
• A.k.a. Manipulated Variable
• Dependent Variable effect the result of the
  change that is made
• A.k.a. Responding variable

8
Controlled Experiment

• Experimental Group - contains the variable
• Control Group- does not contain the variable
  serves as the comparison group
• Constants- other variables that remain the same
  for both groups

9
Data

• Recorded measurements or observations
• Data are collected, organized and analyzed

10
Conclusion

• Statement as to whether the hypothesis is correct
  or incorrect
• The hypothesis is rejected or accepted

11
Communicate Results

• Results of experiments are communicated formally
  in written reports published in scientific
  journals.
• Other scientists can analyze the design and
  conclusions or repeat the experiment themselves.
• Repeatability is a good check on correctness of
  scientific conclusions.