The Scientific Method: Study with Video Lessons, Practice Problems & Examples

The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry that begins with observation, leading to questions and hypotheses. It involves designing experiments to test these hypotheses, collecting and interpreting data, and drawing conclusions. Key components include qualitative and quantitative observations, the formulation of testable hypotheses, and the development of theories and laws. Importantly, hypotheses and theories can be falsified but never definitively proven. This process is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and understanding phenomena, such as the effects of dietary changes on blood pressure.

The Scientific Method Concept 1

The scientific method is a procedure used to answer questions, test ideas, and most importantly, gain scientific knowledge. Now when it comes to the scientific method, it has important components associated with it. Now let's take a look. The first one deals with the collecting of information from a primary source by human or mechanical means, meaning that I see it and therefore it helps start the whole process of the scientific method. Here, this is called observation. So I observe something with my senses or through the use of some type of instrument. So here, a quantitative one, one dealing with values numbers, is the body temperature of over 38 degrees Celsius. A qualitative observation is a patient looks flushed. Next, we have a proposed and testable explanation for an observation. Here, this would be our hypothesis. This addresses the answers to what will happen and why it will happen. Next, we have a testable and broad hypothesis of many observations that's supported by a large body of evidence. So here we call this a theory. And then, finally, we hope that from a theory we get to a testable phenomenon that the scientific community has found to be provably true. This is what we call a law. Now what's important to understand here is that technically, hypothesis and theories can never be proven correct. What happens instead is that they can be falsified. They can be proven incorrect. So when it comes to the scientific method, these are the most important components to it.

The Scientific Method Example 1

Which component of the scientific method deals with the following statement? "Gravity is the reason that an object that is initially tossed into the air comes back down towards the ground." Right. So we know that gravity is an undeniable fact within our everyday life. We know that gravity is what gives mass to objects here on Earth. We know that we can toss an object up, and it comes right back down. That's because of gravity. And we've heard the term the law of gravity. Because of that, this statement is a law. It is observable. We can prove that it is true. It's hard to falsify it. Therefore, it's going to be a law.

The Scientific Method Concept 2

When it comes to the scientific method, realize that it starts with an observation and a question. So here if we take a look, we can break down the scientific method into 7 basic parts. In part 1, we make an observation. Here, we notice that a patient has high blood pressure. From that, we then ask ourselves a question. What type of diet does the patient have? From there, in step 3, we formulate a hypothesis, and from that hypothesis, we can make a prediction. We predict that we can lower the patient's sodium intake and that could help lower their blood pressure. Once we've made this hypothesis and prediction, we move on to step 4. Here, we design and conduct an experiment. We design a diet that is low in sodium. From there, we collect and interpret the data. We see if the patient's blood pressure is lower. And then from that, we can draw our own conclusions in step 6. Should we accept or reject our hypothesis? What happens when it comes to lowering a patient's sodium intake to help lower their blood pressure is considered here. If we accept this, we move on to step 7 where we have a peer review and publish our results. We just publish it as a primary piece of literature. If we reject our hypothesis, then we have to start all over again and make our new observation.

The Scientific Method Example 2

A scientist observed a new phenomenon and wonders how it happens. Which of these steps comes next? So here we have interpret data, design an experiment, peer review, and hypothesize. We know that when it comes to the scientific method, it first starts out with an observation and then a question. Remember, after we have our observation, we come up with a hypothesis which will help us to understand what will happen and why it will happen. This means that option d would be the best choice. It comes next after our observations have been made.

Which of the following shows the best order of steps of the scientific method?

• A. Observation → Data Analysis → Hypothesis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish → Experiment.
• B. Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Peer Review & Publish → Analysis → Conclusion.
• C. Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Analysis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish.
• D. Experiment → Hypothesis → Observation → Data Analysis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish.

Which of the following statements represents an observation?

• A. Repeated studies show that lowering sodium in one's diet will lead to a decrease in blood pressure.
• B. During an assessment in the doctor's office, the nurse records that the patient's resting pulse as 32 beats per minute.
• C. A doctor believes that an incision during made during surgery that is red and pulsating is infected.
• D. A patient believes they are allergic to povidone-iodine and an alternate antiseptic must be used before surgery.

Which of the following statements represents a hypothesis?

• A. Drinking coffee at night keeps me awake.
• B. I will drink coffee early each morning before I start my day.
• C. If I drink coffee early in the morning, I will be able to sleep at night.
• D. I drink 2 cups of coffee a day to stay alert.

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What are the main steps of the scientific method?

The scientific method consists of seven main steps: 1) Observation: Noticing a phenomenon or problem. 2) Question: Formulating a question based on the observation. 3) Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation. 4) Prediction: Making a prediction based on the hypothesis. 5) Experiment: Designing and conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis. 6) Data Collection and Interpretation: Gathering and analyzing data from the experiment. 7) Conclusion: Drawing conclusions and determining whether to accept or reject the hypothesis. If accepted, results are published; if rejected, the process starts over.

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory in the scientific method?

A hypothesis is a proposed and testable explanation for an observation, addressing what will happen and why. It is a starting point for investigation. A theory, on the other hand, is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence from multiple observations and experiments. While a hypothesis can be falsified through testing, a theory is broader and supported by extensive evidence, though it can still be revised or refuted with new evidence.

Why can hypotheses and theories never be proven correct in the scientific method?

Hypotheses and theories can never be proven correct because scientific knowledge is always open to revision with new evidence. The scientific method is based on falsifiability, meaning that hypotheses and theories can be disproven but not definitively proven. This approach ensures that scientific understanding remains flexible and self-correcting, allowing for continuous improvement and refinement of knowledge as new data and insights emerge.

How does peer review contribute to the scientific method?

Peer review is a critical component of the scientific method that involves the evaluation of research by experts in the same field. It ensures the validity, reliability, and originality of the research before it is published. Peer review helps to identify any errors, biases, or gaps in the study, providing an additional layer of scrutiny. This process enhances the credibility of scientific findings and ensures that only high-quality research contributes to the body of scientific knowledge.

What is the role of observation in the scientific method?

Observation is the first step in the scientific method and involves gathering information through the senses or instruments. It is crucial because it helps identify phenomena or problems that need investigation. Observations can be qualitative (descriptive) or quantitative (numerical). They form the basis for formulating questions and hypotheses, guiding the direction of subsequent experiments and research. Accurate and detailed observations are essential for generating reliable data and drawing valid conclusions.