"How to think, not what to think" The Scientific Method

The scientific method is an orderly and systematic approach to solving problems. It can be used to solve both scientific and everyday problems.

Steps of the Scientific Method Observation Develop a question Form a hypothesis Perform an experiment-analyze data Draw a conclusion

An everyday problem…. Rob needs a new girlfriend.

He starts thinking about who his new girlfriend should be… He’s developing a question.

He hypothesizes that Emma Watson would be an excellent choice.

To test his hypothesis , he performed an experiment by asking Emma Dear Emma I really like you. Will you go out with me this Friday? Love, Rob Circle One: Yes, No, or Maybe To test his hypothesis , he performed an experiment by asking Emma out on Friday

Dear Rob I would love to go out with you on Friday! Emma  After analyzing the results of his experiment, he concluded that his hypothesis was correct.

Additional Terms: Variable- factor being tested Independent Variable = What the investigator manipulates; the particular treatment or condition the investigator is most interested in the effects of  Dependent Variable = What is measured or observed; the "data" collected in the experiment Experimental Group = Those participants exposed to the independent variable Control Group = Those participants treated just like the experimental group EXCEPT they are not exposed to the independent variable; the group with which the experimental group can be compared –the factor that responds in a predictable way

Describes how nature behaves but does not explain why nature behaves in that particular way It is generally accepted to be true and can sometimes be expressed in terms of a single mathematical equation. Scientific laws are similar to mathematical postulates. They don’t really need any complex external proofs; they are accepted at face value based upon the fact that they have always been observed to be true. Natural Law Example: Newton’s Laws of Motion

Explains why nature behaves in the way described by a natural law Theory: A theory is more like a scientific law than a hypothesis. A theory is an explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times by detached groups of researchers. One scientist cannot create a theory; he can only create a hypothesis. Theory Example: Einstein’s Theory of Relativity