METHODS OF SCIENCE
The Scientific Method An organized way to solve a problem through experimentation and observation. Reality check: there is not a universal research method called, ” the scientific method” it does not exist in actual science laboratories.
The Process Define/State the Problem Collect/Gather Information Form a Hypothesis Design an Experiment Collect and Analyze Data Form a Conclusion Publish your findings Reality check: scientist may skip, or omit several steps in this process
Define/State the Problem Form a question about a specific event or reaction. Ex: Why is lightening attracted to tall structures?
Collect/Gather Information Research the problem Make observations
Form a Hypothesis What is a hypothesis? testable explanation based on your observations and research. Must meet two criteria Testable Data must be measurable Can be written as an if then statement.
Designing a Controlled Experiment Devise a way to test your hypothesis. How will you perform your experiment? What materials will you need? How will you record your data?
Designing a Controlled Experiment Must have 2 key variables: Independent variable Changed by the experimenter Key words: different, varying Dependent variable Changes as a result of the independent variable. It is the variable being measured. Key words: measured, observed, rated, recorded
Other Variables Control Standard for comparison Does not receive the IV (no treatment) Constants Conditions that are kept the same for each test subject Key words: same, equal amounts
Collect and Analyze Data What is data? Recorded observations or information There are two types of data: Qualitative (Quality) Uses the senses Ex: taste, smell, sound, behavior, etc. Quantitative(Quantity) Numbers Ex: 10g, 50cm, etc
Collect and Analyze Data Scientist use the metric system to collect data: Based on units of 10 Basic Units of measurement: Volume: Liters Length: Meters Mass: grams Temperature: Celcius Used in most countries except for the US
Collect and Analyze Data is usually recorded in: Tables I.V. listed in the right column D.V. listed in the left hand columns Graphs I.V. located on the x-axis D.V. located on the y-axis
Form A Conclusion Should state if your hypothesis was proven or disproven Repeat for verification
Publish Your Findings Write a lab report Submit your findings to a scientific journal
Theory Scientific Theory- a general statement of why things work based on hypotheses that have been tested many times. Sometimes Theories can be proven wrong! remember science is limited by technology and subject to change as technology advances.
Theory of Spontaneous Generation Stated that living things can arise from non-living matter. (Aristole) Francesco Redi’s experiment proved that living things came from other living organisms.
Louise Pasture confirmed that the theory of spontaneous generation was wrong.