The Scientific Method



The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a flexible framework guiding scientific study. It is a set of logical steps by which scientists solve problems. The Scientific Method involves steps (the number varies depending upon your resources)

Observation

Question or problem

Hypothesis

Method (Experimentation)

Data collection and results

Drawing Conclusions

Sharing results and peer review

Observation- You observe something in the material world, using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses.

Problem- You ask a question about what you observe. What you want to know or find out.

Hypothesis- You predict what you think the answer to your question might be. “Educated guess”

Method (Experimentation)- You figure out a way to test whether your hypothesis is correct. The outcome must be measureable. (quantifiable)

Record and analyze data-

Accuracy is important.

Numerical data are best recorded in an organized table and may be displayed in the form of a graph.

You repeat the experiment (and have others repeat it) to confirm your results.

State Conclusion- You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results.

The Scientific Method

It is important to have other scientists (or in our case other students) review your work to confirm your results.

Independent Variable

Set to a known value

Several independent variables may be controlled in an experiment.

X axis

Dependent variable

Changes in response to changes in the independent variable.

Y axis

Example

In an experiment where the vapor pressure of a liquid is measured at several different temperatures:

Temperature is the independent variable

Pressure is the dependent variable

The Scientific Method - Vocabulary Terms

Using your textbook define the following terms and give an example of each. Write these definitions and examples as part of your notes.

1. Variable 6. Control Group

2. Dependent variable 7. Data

3. Independent variable 8. Trial

4. Controlled Experiment 9. Theory

5. Experimental Group 10. Scientific Law

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