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.