Scientific Method

1
Scientific Method
All of science is built around the scientific
method. In fact, a subject is not considered to
be a science unless the scientific method can
be applied. There is no single correct version of
the scientific method, but all are similar at the
core. For this course, YOU MUST LEARN THIS
VERSION!
2
Scientific Method

• Observations
• Problem Definition
• Hypothesis
• Predictions
• Testing (Experiments)
• Analysis
• Conclusions
• Go back to step 3

3
Scientific Method
1. Observation Seeing, hearing, feeling or
otherwise sensing something that can be measured.
For example Its hotter today than usual.
The moon is made of cheese. There are
canals on Mars. But not That guy/girl over
there is really cute. I feel happy.
Space is filled with an undetectable ether.
4
Scientific Method
2. Define the Problem Describe exactly what it
is you want to know. Limit the problem to just
what is important to your investigations. For
example Is todays temperature above average
for the local area in the last 50 years.
Does the composition of the moon
include any detectable cheese. Is there
any in situ evidence that the canal- like
structures on Mars were built?
5
Scientific Method
3. Create a hypothesis A hypothesis is an
educated guess that someone attempts to
demonstrate is true by conducting experiments.
To be useful, you must be able to make testable
predictions about a hypothesis. How does a
hypothesis differ from a fact ? A fact is
something that seems to be true beyond a shadow
of a doubt, or is a close agreement by competent
observers who make a series of observations of a
phenomenon.
6
Scientific Method
4. Predictions Something that MUST be true if
the hypothesis is true, and that can be tested by
conducting experiments. For example The
temperature today is above average. Some
moon rocks will contain lactic acid. Canals
on Mars will cut across rock strata. But
not Most people I interview will say it is
very hot.
7
Scientific Method
5. Experiment A test to see if the predictions
are true. For example Compare todays
temperature with records. Subject a moon
rock to the acid test. Send a archeologist to
Mars.
8
Scientific Method
6. Analysis Take a critical look at the results
of the experiment using math, graphs and other
analytical techniques. For example Is todays
temperature above the average temperatures,
including the standard deviation? Was the
acid test conclusive? Compare the archeology
data with similar structures on earth.
9
Scientific Method
7. Conclusion Did the data and analysis confirm
your predictions? If so, you are finished. The
hypothesis is confirmed, for now 8. Modify the
hypothesis If the hypothesis was not confirmed,
can it be changed to work?
10
Scientific Method
Experiment (the sequel) An experiment must have
something to be measured based on conditions
controlled by the scientist. The things that are
measured are called variables. Variables come in
different flavors Controlled variables are
things controlled by the scientist to insure that
they do not change. Control variables may also
be called control groups if factors are lumped
together with other factors. Dependent
variables are measured by the scientist, and are
expected to change as the independent variable
changes. Independent variables are changed by
the scientist.
11
Scientific Method
END OF THE Scientific Method