The Scientific Method

Definition-a series of steps that a scientist follows in order to solve a problem or answer a question. The steps may vary.

An investigation is often sparked by an observation.

Step 1 State the Problem or ask the Question.

Step 2 Gather Information (and start with your own big brain.)

Step 3 Form OR state your HYPOTHESIS

Independent & Dependent Variables

• Experiments have to be set up to test a specific

hypothesis and they must be controlled.

Controlling the variables so that only a single studied.

• The

independent variable controlled and manipulated by the experimenter, whereas

• The

an experiment means controlling all of dependent variable variable is the one that's is not. is

• As the

independent variable dependent variable is manipulated, the is measured for variation.

Experimental Group and Control Group • Controlling an experiment also means

setting it up so it has a

control group

and an

experimental group. • The control group

allows the experimenter to compare his test results against a baseline measurement so he can feel confident that those results are not due to chance.

• All other variables in the experiment must be the same.

constants.) (They are sometimes called

Step 4 Perform an Experiment to test your hypothesis

Step 5 Analyze your DATA.

Bias

The scientific method attempts to minimize the influence of

bias

or

prejudice

in the experimenter.

Even the best-intentioned scientists can't escape

bias

.

It results from personal beliefs, as well as cultural beliefs, which means any human filters information based on his or her own experience.

Supporting or Rejecting Hypotheses

• During an experiment, scientists

collect data .

• Data is collected that will hopefully,

support or reject the hypothesis .

• The ultimate goal is to prove or

disprove the hypothesis and, in doing so, answer the original question.

Data may be recorded and communicated through the use of charts and graphs.

Draw a

conclusion

Experiments must be repeated before results are communicated with others!

Theories

When a hypothesis or a group of related hypotheses have been confirmed through repeated experimental tests, it may become a theory

.

Theories are much broader in scope than hypotheses and hold enormous predictive power.