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

The scientific method is a systematic approach to inquiry, beginning with observation and leading to the formulation of a hypothesis. This process includes designing experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions to either accept or reject the hypothesis. A hypothesis can evolve into a theory, supported by substantial evidence, and potentially become a scientific law. It's crucial to understand that hypotheses and theories cannot be proven true but can be falsified. This method is foundational in scientific research, ensuring accuracy and reliability in findings.

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 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. Here, 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, hypotheses 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 know 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, step 3, we formulate a hypothesis, and from that hypothesis, we can make a prediction. We realize that we can lower the patient's sodium intake and that could help lower their blood pressure. So once we've made this hypothesis and made this 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. Here, should we accept or reject our hypothesis? What when it comes to the lowering of a patient's sodium intake will help lower their blood pressure. Now if we accept this, we move on to step 7 where we have a peer review and publish our results. Here, 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? 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 is what 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 main steps of the scientific method are:

1. Observation: Noticing and describing a phenomenon.

2. Question: Formulating a question based on the observation.

3. Hypothesis: Proposing a testable explanation for the observation.

4. Prediction: Making a prediction based on the hypothesis.

5. Experiment: Designing and conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis.

6. Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and interpreting the data from the experiment.

7. Conclusion: Drawing conclusions to accept or reject the hypothesis.

8. Peer Review and Publication: Sharing results with the scientific community for validation.

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. It addresses what will happen and why it will happen. A theory, on the other hand, is a testable and broad hypothesis of many observations supported by a large body of evidence. While a hypothesis is an initial, testable idea, a theory is a well-substantiated explanation that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation. Importantly, both hypotheses and theories can be falsified but never proven true.

Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?

A control group is essential in an experiment because it serves as a baseline that allows researchers to compare the results of the experimental group. The control group does not receive the experimental treatment, which helps isolate the effect of the independent variable being tested. By comparing the control group to the experimental group, researchers can determine whether the observed effects are due to the treatment or other factors. This enhances the reliability and validity of the experimental results.

How can a hypothesis be tested in the scientific method?

A hypothesis can be tested through a well-designed experiment. This involves making a prediction based on the hypothesis and then conducting an experiment to see if the prediction holds true. The experiment should include a control group and an experimental group, with all other variables kept constant. Data is collected and analyzed to determine whether the results support or refute the hypothesis. If the data supports the hypothesis, it is accepted; if not, it is rejected, and a new hypothesis may be formulated.

What happens if a hypothesis is rejected in the scientific method?

If a hypothesis is rejected in the scientific method, it means that the experimental data did not support the proposed explanation. In this case, researchers must revisit the initial observation and question, formulate a new hypothesis, and design a new experiment to test this new hypothesis. This iterative process is crucial for refining scientific understanding and ensuring that conclusions are based on reliable and accurate data.