The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method:
- Make an observation.
- Form a hypothesis.
- Collect data.
- Design a control experiment.
- Carry out experiments.
- Observe results.
- Form a conclusion.
- Accept or reject conclusion.
- Report and publish results.
- Develop a theory.
- Develop a principle.
- Theory: Support for a hypothesis based on repeated results.
- Principle/Law: Formed when a theory is seen to be true under all conditions over a long period of time.
Limitations of the Scientific Method:
- Ability to interpret data collected.
- Method of experimentation.
- Human error.
Principals of Experimentation:
All experiments should have:
- Careful planning and design.
- Freedom from bias.
- Clear safety procedures.
- A suitable control.
- A large randomly selected sample size.
- Results that can be repeated and verified.
Control: A control is an experiment carried out alongside the main experiment, it is used for comparison and validation of results.
Bias: When somebody had a preferred outcome.
Replicate: Exact copy of an experiment or procedure.
Data: Information gathered relevent to an experiment.
