Review of the Scientific Review of the Scientific MethodMethod

Chapter 1Chapter 1

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Scientific Method – Organized, logical approach to scientific research.• Not a list of rules, but

a general guideline.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Steps – Observation • Gathering information

with the five senses.– Identification of a

Problem– Formation of a

Hypothesis • A possible explanation

or solution to the problem.

• Based on facts.• Can be tested.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Steps – Test the Hypothesis• Experimentation• Additional Observation

– Analysis of Results– Conclusion– Report Results

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Controlled Experiment

– An investigation that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions.

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Controlled Conditions – Control Group• Standard against

which results are compared.

– Experimental Group• Test group which

receives experimental treatment.

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Variables

Constants

– Factors that can change in an experiment.• Independent variable

• Variable the you change

• Dependent variable• Variable that you

measure

– Factors that do not change in an experiment.

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Quantitative Data

Qualitative Data

– Measured in numbers.

– Described in words.

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Repetition – Must repeat experiments many times with large sample groups in order to be valid.

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Bias – Your own personal opinion.

– Should not be a part of science.

Hypothesis, Theories, and LawsHypothesis, Theories, and Laws

Theory – An explanation or model supported by results of many experiments or observations.

– Provides a general explanation for scientific observations that is consistent with known facts.

– Usually explains many hypotheses.

Hypothesis, Theories, and LawsHypothesis, Theories, and Laws

Laws – A rule that describes the behavior of something in nature.• Usually explains what

will happen but not why.

– To become a law, a theory must be proven correct every time it is tested.

TechnologyTechnology

Technology – Use of scientific discoveries for practical purposes.• Develops and build

upon itself over time.

Limits of ScienceLimits of Science

Science – Cannot provide answers to questions that deal with ethics (morals) or beliefs (ex. religion).