Scientific Method: Steps and Variables

Scientific Method

• It is a process to gather information and conclude about the natural world
• It is an organized way that helps scientists answer a question or solve a problem
• It is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge that characterizes the development of science

Steps of the Scientific Method

• Making observations and gathering knowledge about a phenomenon is the first step
• Scientists generalize to formulate a hypothesis
• A hypothesis is an educated guess that explains a natural event and is testable
• Scientists use inductive and deductive logic to develop and prove hypotheses
• Scientists must design experiments that generate meaningful results to test the hypothesis
• A control group is set up with the experimental group
• The independent variable is the variable changed during the experiment
• The dependent variable is what you observe that changes based on the independent variable being altered
• Data from the experiment is gathered and analyzed which may lead to acceptance or rejection of the initial hypothesis
• Data should be observable and objective
• Mathematical data is presented in tables and graphs, which may require statistical analysis to confirm validity or significance
• A conclusion is the answer to the problem, based on a supported hypothesis
• Science is a progressive process where the conclusion of one experiment can lead to the hypothesis for another
• Results that don't support the hypothesis can be used to formulate a new one
• Conclusions from related experiments can lead to a Scientific Theory, which is a general concept about the natural world
• A theory is a hypothesis repeatedly tested and found true, but is never absolutely proven. Scientists should be ready to alter or abandon generalizations when new facts contradict them

Scientific Traits and Values

• Intellectual Honesty allows a scientist to recognize previously completed work by others
• Intellectual Honesty includes reporting data truthfully
• Open-mindedness allows a scientist to consider different possibilities
• Evaluate, validate and accept other people's ideas toward a question
• Creative and critical thinkers can critically assess results and limitations
• Creative and critical thinking enables scientists to create concepts leading to discoveries, that traditional scientists overlook

Additional Scientific Traits and Values

• Curiosity enables a scientist to discover more about the things around them
• Risk-taking, confidence, and persistence enable a scientist to continue a project, despite obstacles and failures
• Objectivity ensures a scientist declares results of experiments with judgment on observable phenomena, without influence by emotions or personal prejudices
• Moral, social, and personal responsibility and accountability must be observed in all the works.
• A scientist must consider the precision of work, and if it forms a pattern that is repeatedly occurring in nature
• A lack of precision can cause inconsistency
• Seek criticism to confirm acceptance as "no man is an island"
• Two minds are better than one