THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

• The Scientific Method

  Empirical method for acquiring knowledge

  • used for developing science in recent centuries because of how it is effective in answering scientific questions through observations and test

  1. Identify the problem
  2. Make observations
  3. gather preliminary data and information about the problem
  4. State the hypothesis
• The Scientific Method

  Empirical method for acquiring knowledge

  • used for developing science in recent centuries because of how it is effective in answering scientific questions through observations and test

  1. Identify the problem
  2. Make observations
  3. gather preliminary data and information about the problem
  4. State the hypothesis
  5. Hypothesis is an educated guess
  6. Test the Hypothesis (experiment)
  7. Analyze and interpret resulting data
  8. Draw conclusions
• Experiments

  Part of the scientific method. It is a controlled investigation of natural phenomena. In conducting an experiment, all factors should be the same among all the setups, except for the one being tested.

  • Experimental/Independent variable - variable being tested and changed

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  • Constant /controlled variables - the factors that should be kept the same from setup to setup

  .

  • Responding/dependent variable - the resulting variable that changes because of the independent variable; one being measured
• Hypothesis Testing

  A process where a researcher formulates an educated guess to explain a phenomenon, and conduct necessary tests to determine whether to accept or reject the hypothesis.

  • Alternative Hypothesis - hypothesis of interest; there is a significant relationship among the dependent and independent variables

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  • Null Hypothesis - there is no significant relationship among the two variables
• Theory


  A well-supported, testable explanation of natural phenomena
• Scientific Law


  A statement that describes or predicts an observed natural phenomenon.
• Axiom


  A statement which everyone agrees is true and sometimes called, in mathematical context, as a postulate.
• Method


  A systematic process of performing a scientific task, such as conducting research.
• Pseudoscience


  Approach to gathering knowledge that claims to be scientific but violates tenets of science.
• Paradigm


  A framework of thoughts from which reality is interpreted.