1. Scientific Method

2. 1: Make an Observation

3. 2: Form a Hypothesis Hypothesis Statement that can be tested
Educated guess
Predict outcome of your study

4. 3: Experiment Used to test hypothesis Must be controlled
Compare results of control group to results of experimental groups

5. 3: Experiment Continued…
Experimental and Control Groups are identical except for independent variable
During experiment, scientist measures or collects data on the dependent variable
Quantitative: numerical data
Qualitative: observational data
3: Experiment Continued…

6. Example
Let’s say I am performing an experiment to see how candy as a reward impacts participation in class
Student 1 will be given a large candy bar if he/she participates
Student 2 will be given one piece of candy if he/she participates
Student 3 will be given no candy if he/she participates
Student 4 will be given a candy bowl whenever he/she participates
Which student is the control group?
Which students are the experimental groups?
What is the independent variable being studied?
What is the dependent variable being studied?

7. 4: Drawing a Conclusion Analyze collected data
Graphs visualize results
Independent variable always on x-axis
Dependent variable always on y-axis

8. 4: Drawing a Conclusion Continued…
If hypothesis is supported,
publish results in journals so others can replicate
If the hypothesis is rejected,
start again with a new hypothesis

9. If a hypothesis is tested and found to be true by many experiments, a theory can then be formed
Theory: statement (hypothesis) that has been proven true by the scientific method
5: Forming a Theory

10. Scientific Law Not part of the scientific method
statement that is believed to be true
never been proven by the scientific method
Example: law of gravity