Scientific Scientific MethodMethod

There is no single scientific method, but most contain

these basic steps:

1. Observation: recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence

2. State a problem in a Question Format

3. Hypothesis: an explanation for a question or a problem that can be formally tested.

4. Experiment: tentative procedure or

policy

5. Analyze & Interpret Data: to explain or tell the meaning of

- present in understandable terms

6. Conclusion: a final summation

I. Observations must be

accurate, free of bias, &

recorded.

2 TypesA. Qualitative:

non-numerical observationsB. Quantitative:

numerical observations

II. A hypothesis is: a testable explanation for a

question or problem and is based on logic,

observations, and research

III. ExperimentationIII. Experimentation

A. Controlled- an experiment in which all variables are the same except the one being tested

B. Independent variable: the variable being tested; in a controlled experiment, only this changes

Quiz

Numerical Data isA.Qualitative

B.Quantitative

C. Dependent variable: any change that results from manipulation of the independent variable

D. Experimental Group: the group in which the independent variable is changed

E. Control Group: the group in which all the variables remain the same, including the independent variable

- well planned, detailed - only 1 variable /Constants - collect data at regular intervals

- large sample size - use metrics for quantitative data

- repeatable

IV. Good design features:

A. Graphs: 1. Line graph: data for the

independent variable is placed on the horizontal, or x-axis, and data for the dependent variable are plotted on the vertical, or y-axis.

V. Interpreting & Analyzing Data

2. Bar graph: Use bars instead of data points to plot the data and are a good way to show comparisons among groups when data are not dependent on one another.

3. Pie graph: show which percentage, out of 100, a specific piece of information represents

VI. Conclusion

describes if the data collected supports the

hypothesis

VII. Scientific Theory

time- tested major hypothesis that explains an aspect of

nature

VIII. Scientific Law

a principle that describes an aspect of nature

IX. Inference

logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and

experience