1. A Guide to Scientific Problem Solving
Scientific Method
A Guide to
Scientific Problem Solving

2. The 6 Steps: 1. State the Problem 2. Gather Information
3. Form a Hypothesis
4. Test the Hypothesis
5. Analyze Data
6. State an Inference

3. Starts with observation that leads to questioning.
State the Problem
Starts with observation that leads to questioning. ?

4. By measuring; you need to be accurate.
Gather information
By measuring; you need to be accurate.

5. Possible explanation or solution to problem;
Form hypothesis
Possible explanation or solution to problem;
Educated guess.

6. It should always be in the form of an
Form hypothesis
It should always be in the form of an
“If…, then” statement.

7. Test hypothesis
Experiments use variables, controls & constants.

8. Variables Independent: the variable that you (experimenter) change
Dependent: variable that responds to change

9. Not all experiments have a control.
Controls
Standard for comparing experimental effects.
Not all experiments have a control.

10. Constants
The things that remain the same.

11. Analysis of Data
Remember to take all of your data into consideration when analyzing the experiment!

12. State an Inference Make an assumption based on your results.
After many experiments & repeat trials scientist will reach a conclusion.

13. State an Inference
Stating a conclusion should always refer back to your hypothesis.
“The hypothesis (was or was not) supported by the data because…”