SCIENTIFIC METHOD By Diana Bivens

http://prezi.com/auegj7brawed/scientific-method/

Using the Scientific Method Make an observation/Ask a question Use prior knowledge to to make inferences inference: A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning Form a hypothesis Hypothesis: an explanation for a question that can be tested (an educated guess) based on inferences.

Using the Scientific Method How do I determine if my hypothesis is correct?

Using the Scientific Method 3. Set up an experiment Parts of an experiment -control group: a group in which all conditions of the experiment remain unchanged -experimental group: the group exposed to factor being tested -independent variable: the tested factor that might affect the outcome of the experiment -dependent variable: the factor that the scientist measures -constant: the portion of the experiment that remains unchanged

Let’s try it  Hypothesis: "There will be a statistically significant difference in graduation rates of at-risk high-school seniors who participate in an intensive study program as opposed to at-risk high-school seniors who do not participate in the intensive study program." (LaFountain & Bartos, 2002, p. 57) Control group: Experimental group: IV: DV:

Using the Scientific Method 4. Collect/ Organize Data -data may be organized in charts and/or graphs so trends can be easily recognized. -amount of data must be sufficient

Types of Data Quantitative Qualitative Numerical data Descriptive data Time Temperature Length Mass Descriptive data Color Shape Smell Behavior

Using the Scientific Method 5. Analyze Data -Evaluate data for any inconsistencies. -Explain any variables that were difficult to control for. -Identify possible human error.

Using the Scientific Method 6. Form conclusion ?? Does the data support the hypothesis?? Yes No

Using the Scientific Method 7. Repeat Experiment results must be repeatable before a theory can be stated

Hypothesis? Theory? Law? Hypothesis: an educated guess based on observations Theory: explanation of things based on knowledge gained from experimentation Law: a well-established fact of nature