Scientific method

• Cell theory
• Gene theory
• Evolution
• Evolution explains why frogs have certain characteristics and why humans have 5 fingers instead of 2
• The Scientific Method is a systematic method of obtaining knowledge through a series of ordered steps:
• Observation
• Ask questions
• Formulate a hypothesis
• Make a prediction
• Test prediction (Experiment)
• Analysis & interpretation of results
• Conclusion
• Hypothesis: A possible explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested
• Theory: An accepted hypothesis that has been tested and has a lot of support
• In order to be scientifically tested, a hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable
• Control group: the group of subjects that will not be given the treatment in an experiment
• Important considerations in experiment planning:
• Avoid bias
• Placebo effect
• Sample size
• Repeatability
• To test a prediction, an experiment should minimally have:
• An independent variable - the variable being manipulated
• A dependent variable - the variable being measured
• Controlled variables - variables that are kept constant
• The Scientific Method Test Prediction (Experiment): Hamsters on different diets to test the effect on weight
• Interpretation of results usually answers if the data supports or fails to support the hypothesis, the strength of the conclusion, and limitations
• Two conclusions in science: reject the hypothesis or do not reject the hypothesis based on the experiment results
• Communication in science is essential for sharing important discoveries and promoting the advancement of knowledge