The scientific method is a process used when conducting experiments and exploring observation.
▪
This method aims to discover the relationships between cause and effect in various situations and applications.
▪
The scientific method provides a way to apply logical and rational problem-solving methods to scientific questions.
Seven Steps of Scientific Method:
1.
Ask a Question
▪
It is often something that can be measured with a numerical result, although behavioral results are also part of the scientific method.
▪
A research question is an inquiry that the research attempts to answer.
▪
It is the heart of the systematic investigation.
▪
Research questions are the most important step in any research project.
▪
In essence, it initiates the research project and establishes the pace for the specific research.
2. Do a Background Research
▪
conduct preliminary background research to prepare yourself for the experiment.
3.
Construct a Hypothesis
▪
A hypothesis is an educated guess about how things work.
▪
It is an attempt to answer your question with an explanation that can be tested.
4.
Variables
▪
is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types.
▪
These factors that change in a scientific experiment are variables.
o
The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist.
The dependentvariables are the things that the scientist focuses his or her observations on to see how they respond to the change made to the independent variable.
Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and she or he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables.
5.
Test your Hypotheses
▪
Your experiment tests whether your prediction is accurate and thus your hypothesis is supported or not.
▪
It is important for your experiment to be a fair test.
6.
Analyze your Data and Draw a Conclusion
▪
Data are results of the experiment which may lead one to accept or reject the hypothesis initially formulated.
▪
Conclusion is the answer to the problem and based on a supported hypothesis.
▪
Your conclusions summarize how your results support or contradict your original hypothesis.
7.
Communicate your Result
▪
To complete your research, you will communicate your results to others in a finalreport and/or a display board.
Characteristics of a Good Scientist:
1.
Curiosity
▪
Always try to seek, inquire, discover.
▪
The desire to learn or know about anything.
2. Determination
▪
Be persistent in your endeavors.
▪
Be firm and self-confident.
3. Open-mindedness
▪
Open yourself to new ideas.
▪
Do not be one sided.
4. Acceptance of Results
▪
Consider failure as a step towards success because it gives you additional scientific information on what to avoid.
▪
Failure is a part of a continuum of research.
5. Objectivity
▪
Do not be influenced by anything but pertinent physical observations.
6. Humility
▪
Being modest and unassuming.
7. Skepticism
▪ Do not accept things blindly without questioning.
▪Develop the doubting attitude unless presented with reliable data.
8. Patience
▪
Wait calmly for the result of the investigation since most scientific study takes time.
10. Empathy for human condition
▪
Putting oneself in the position of another person.
11. Intellectual Honesty
▪
Be truthful with all the result.
▪
Manipulating results may cause misinterpretation of your work.
▪
Do not claim scientific discoveries of others.
12. Perseverance
▪
A good Scientist should not give up.
13. Self-Confidence
▪
A scientist is confident and ready to depend his work, especially if he knows that he is right.
14. ScientificIntuition
▪
Scientist should have a gut feeling to intuitively predict that something will happen such as a disaster.
▪
This intuition is based on scientific training and understanding of scientific principles, unlike a fortune teller’s prediction based on tarot cards.
15. Aptitude for Serendipity
▪
Most scientific breakthroughs came out of serendipity.
▪
Serendipity means unexpectedly discovering of finding things.
16. Ethics
▪
Scientists’ work should be guided by some moral codes.