1. 7 Steps to a Logical Process
The Scientific Method
7 Steps to a Logical Process

2. 1. Hypothesis versus Theory
Established idea
Factual
Experiments
Data
Hypothesis:
Educated guess
Outcome
If I do….then I expect……
correct or incorrect

3. Control versus Experimental groups
one variable
one condition different from control
more variables =
more controls
Control:
comparisons
“Normal” condition
Eliminates bias

4. Experimental Variables:
Independent Variable:
One condition that is changed from the control group
Example:
control = normal plant growth conditions
independent variable= growth under no fertilizer
Dependent Variable:
the condition measured as a result of adding the independent variable
Example:
Measure growth in height as a result of no fertilizer

5. 3 & 7.Data versus Opinion…... Data: Factual Measurable Replicates
Personal
Inferences versus observations?
bias

6. 4. Types of Experimental Bias
as opinion:
Expectations
Influences results
Psychology experiments
in design:
Unequal treatment
Poor Controls
Plant experiments

7. Replicates of each group:
“Make an exact copy”
Each group must have more than one setup
for comparing results & verifying test conditions
Minimum of 10 replicates

8. Scientific Data Must Be…..
Measurable
Quantifiable
NOT opinion or judgment

9. 7 Steps of the Scientific Method
? Different
? Precise
? Steps necessary?
? Most important

10. 1. Identify the question
What
How
Not “Why”

11. 2. Background research…... Libraries Internet Experiments Researchers
Interviews

12. 3. State you hypothesis Educated guess Outcome Cause……leads to effect
IF I do………then I expect………….

13. 4. Design an experiment 2.Experimental Group 3.One variable
1.Control
2.Experimental Group
3.One variable
4.Replicates

14. 5. Collect data
Measurable
Machine
Tool
Color chart
Factual

15. 6. Analyze data
Agreement in replicates
Good
Controls
Graph trends

16. 7. Communicate results
Publish
Conference
Web page
Design errors

17. CONCLUSION:
Which Step?
What is needed?
Measurable Data

18. Characteristics of Living Things:
Structure & organization: cells, DNA, tissues & organs
Reproduction
Growth & development
Respond to their environment
Metabolism: sum of all chemical reactions
Maintain homeostasis by using energy
Adapt and evolve