The Scientific Method

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The Scientific Method
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• Definition-a series of steps that a scientist
  follows in order to solve a problem or answer a
  question.
• The steps may vary.
• An investigation is often sparked by an
  observation.

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• Step 1
• State the Problem or ask the Question.

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• Step 2
• Gather Information (and start with your own big
  brain.)

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• Step 3
• Form OR state your HYPOTHESIS

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Independent Dependent Variables

• Experiments have to be set up to test a specific
  hypothesis and they must be controlled.
• Controlling an experiment means controlling
  all of the variables so that only a single
  variable is studied.
• The independent variable is the one that's
  controlled and manipulated by the experimenter,
  whereas
• The dependent variable is not.
• As the independent variable is manipulated, the
  dependent variable is measured for variation.

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Experimental Group and Control Group

• Controlling an experiment also means setting it
  up so it has a control group and an experimental
  group.
• The control group allows the experimenter to
  compare his test results against a baseline
  measurement so he can feel confident that those
  results are not due to chance.
• All other variables in the experiment must be the
  same. (They are sometimes called constants.)

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• Step 4
• Perform an Experiment
• to test your hypothesis

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Step 5 Analyze your DATA.
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Bias

• The scientific method attempts to minimize the
  influence of bias or prejudice in the
  experimenter.
• Even the best-intentioned scientists can't
  escape bias.
• It results from personal beliefs, as well as
  cultural beliefs, which means any human filters
  information based on his or her own experience.

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Supporting or Rejecting Hypotheses

• During an experiment, scientists collect data.
• Data is collected that will hopefully, support or
  reject the hypothesis.
• The ultimate goal is to prove or disprove the
  hypothesis and, in doing so, answer the original
  question.

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• Data may be recorded and communicated through the
  use of charts and graphs.

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Draw a conclusion
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• Experiments must be repeated
• before results are communicated with others!

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Theories

• When a hypothesis or a group of related
  hypotheses have been confirmed through repeated
  experimental tests, it may become a theory.
• Theories are much broader in scope than
  hypotheses and hold enormous predictive power.