Scientific Method Notes
Scientific Method Notes
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
1. Observations
2. Forming hypothesis
3. Testing hypothesis
4. Analyzing Data
5. Evaluating results
6. Retesting
OBSERVATIONS
- one or more of the five senses to describe objects/ events
- observations raise questions
- inference
-conclusion made on the basis of facts or premises rather than on direct observations
- assumption
FORMING A HYPOTHESIS
- explanation that MIGHT be true
- general statement that explains the observations
- preliminary conclusions
- ideas on "trial"
-can be tested
PREDICTIONS
- Expected outcome of a test assuming the hypothesis is correct
- What you believe will happen if he hypothesis is correct
HYPOTHESIS & PREDICTIONS
- If... then
- If (hypothesis)
- then ( prediction)
- ex: If I change the lightbulb, then the light will come back on.
TESTING HYPOTHESIS
- To design an experiment to test the hypothesis
- Control VS experimental group
- independent vs dependent variable
- Quantitative data vs Qualitative data
CONTROL VERSUS EXPERIMMENTAL GROUP
- The control (normal group) and experimental group is investigated under identical conditions except for one factor that is changed. (must coincide w/ hypothesis)
INDEPENDENT VS DEPENDENT VARIABLE
- INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: factor that is altered in the experiment
- only one independent variable
- DEPENDENT VARIABLE: measurable factors
-only one dependent variable
-CONSTANTS: all variables that are similar between the control and experimental group.
ANALYZING DATA:
- charts/graphs
- quantitative data
- precise measurements
- numbers
- qualitative data
- identification of materials or process
- no numbers
EVALUATING RESULTS
- Conclusion
- based on your data, is your hypothesis right or wrong?
- MODEL; explanation supported by the data
- STANDARD ERROR BARS: Graphical representations of the variability of data used to indicate the error or uncertainty in a reported measure
RETESTING
- If hypothesis is wrong, create a new one
- if hypothesis is right, repeat the experiment again
- theory: broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true, formed after many hypotheses have been tested and supported.
Scientific Method Notes
Scientific Method Notes
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
1. Observations
2. Forming hypothesis
3. Testing hypothesis
4. Analyzing Data
5. Evaluating results
6. Retesting
OBSERVATIONS
- one or more of the five senses to describe objects/ events
- observations raise questions
- inference
-conclusion made on the basis of facts or premises rather than on direct observations
- assumption
FORMING A HYPOTHESIS
- explanation that MIGHT be true
- general statement that explains the observations
- preliminary conclusions
- ideas on "trial"
-can be tested
PREDICTIONS
- Expected outcome of a test assuming the hypothesis is correct
- What you believe will happen if he hypothesis is correct
HYPOTHESIS & PREDICTIONS
- If... then
- If (hypothesis)
- then ( prediction)
- ex: If I change the lightbulb, then the light will come back on.
TESTING HYPOTHESIS
- To design an experiment to test the hypothesis
- Control VS experimental group
- independent vs dependent variable
- Quantitative data vs Qualitative data
CONTROL VERSUS EXPERIMMENTAL GROUP
- The control (normal group) and experimental group is investigated under identical conditions except for one factor that is changed. (must coincide w/ hypothesis)
INDEPENDENT VS DEPENDENT VARIABLE
- INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: factor that is altered in the experiment
- only one independent variable
- DEPENDENT VARIABLE: measurable factors
-only one dependent variable
-CONSTANTS: all variables that are similar between the control and experimental group.
ANALYZING DATA:
- charts/graphs
- quantitative data
- precise measurements
- numbers
- qualitative data
- identification of materials or process
- no numbers
EVALUATING RESULTS
- Conclusion
- based on your data, is your hypothesis right or wrong?
- MODEL; explanation supported by the data
- STANDARD ERROR BARS: Graphical representations of the variability of data used to indicate the error or uncertainty in a reported measure
RETESTING
- If hypothesis is wrong, create a new one
- if hypothesis is right, repeat the experiment again
- theory: broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true, formed after many hypotheses have been tested and supported.