Understanding the Scientific Method

Study Notes

The scientific method explains the world through scientific explanations, providing a procedure for scientists to collect empirical data to answer questions.
It involves planning experiments based on background research to form a testable hypothesis, followed by data collection and analysis to reach a conclusion.

Question: A problem the scientist aims to solve.
Background: Existing information from previous experiments informs the scientist.
Hypothesis: A testable explanation predicting experimental outcomes.
Experiment: A scientific test providing empirical data.
Empirical Data: Verifiable information through observation and/or experience.
Conclusion: An answer to the research question, either supporting or rejecting the hypothesis.

Sir Francis Bacon is credited with its first documentation in 1620.
Ibn al-Haytham outlined a series of steps in the early 1000s and recommended replication.
Isaac Newton refined the process and emphasized inductive and deductive reasoning in the 1600s.
Ongoing evolution with each scientist modifying the process.

The steps follow a general pattern, but vary across disciplines like psychology, physics, and geology.
Variations exist within each discipline based on the subject being studied.
Psychologists might use surveys, while ecologists employ different methods for studying behavior.
Philosophers focus on qualitative data, unlike geneticists who collect quantitative data.

Six Steps:

The scientific method has an order, but it often gets shaken up and parts get re-worked and re-tested along the way.
Question: Starts with an observation and inquiry about a phenomenon (e.g., "Why do some people develop dementia?" or "How do geese know to fly south for the winter?").
Background: Researching existing knowledge from credible sources and previous experiments.
Hypothesis: Forming a specific and testable prediction, often in an "If, then" format (e.g., "If a plant has 8 hours of sunlight exposure, then it will grow taller").
Experiment: Designing a controlled experiment with an Independent Variable (IV) and a Dependent Variable (DV).
IV: The change being tested.
- DV: The thing being measured.
Example: Testing a chemical's impact on cancer rates involves controlling all variables except chemical exposure (IV), then measuring cancer prevalence (DV).
Analysis: Analyzing collected data to assess the significance of any observed differences using statistical testing.
Conclusion: Determining whether the data supports or rejects the hypothesis and retesting or exploring alternative explanations.
The process is cyclical.

Troubleshooting internet issues: Questioning the problem, researching solutions, hypothesizing a router reset, experimenting by resetting the router, analyzing the outcome, and concluding if the hypothesis was supported.
Studying Alzheimer's disease: Questioning the cause, researching potential factors, hypothesizing a link to coffee consumption, conducting a survey, analyzing statistical differences, and concluding whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.

Hypotheses are rarely proven in science.
Consensus may be reached, but scientists must remain open to future discoveries that could change existing concepts.
Experiments are conducted to support or reject hypotheses.
A hypothesis can become a theory after being supported by significant, peer-reviewed experiments.
Peer review involves evaluation by scientists in the same field to ensure credibility and validity.
A scientific theory is a well-supported explanation of the natural world with facts and hypotheses, based on empirical research.

Bias in science becomes a problem when scientists allow their beliefs to filter their data.
The scientific method aims to avoid bias, but is not perfect.
Biases are prejudices which may impact how accurate data is interpreted.
Bias in collecting data and forming conclusions can seriously damage claim accuracy and trustworthiness.
Peer review and repeat testing mitigate the effects of bias and correct errors.