Scientific Investigation/The Scientific Method

• What is scientific investigation?

  • A systematic process used by scientists
  • To explore and understand natural phenomena
• What are the four steps of scientific investigation?

  1. Observation: Noticing the world using five senses

  2. Question Formulation: Turning observations into a question

  3. Research: Gathering background information

  4. Hypothesis: Formulating an educated guess
• What is the first step of scientific investigation?

  Observation
• What is the purpose of question formulation in scientific investigation?

  To turn observations into a question
• What does research involve in the context of scientific investigation?

  Gathering background information
• What is a hypothesis?

  An educated guess
• What are the two types of hypotheses?

  1. Null Hypothesis: No significant effect between variables

  2. Alternative Hypothesis: A specific relationship between variables
• What does a null hypothesis state?

  There is no significant effect between variables
• What does an alternative hypothesis indicate?

  There is a specific relationship between variables
• Step 7: Analysis of the results: The results are interpreted and conclusions are drawn.

  
• Step 9: Evaluation: The strengths and weaknesses of the investigation are discussed.
• Step 8: Conclusion: A summary of the findings is presented.
• Step 10: Reporting: Results are reported to others through oral or written communication.
• Scientific method: A systematic approach to investigating natural phenomena through observation, hypothesis testing, and data analysis.
• Steps of Scientific Investigation.