Scientific Method Rabab Surani UGS 303 April 12, 2010

What is it? Scientific method is “a method of discovering knowledge about the natural world based in making falsifiable predictions (hypothesis), testing them empirically, and developing peer-reviewed theories that best explain the known data”. Theory: an organized set of claims and statements that helps guide our research Hypothesis: a specific, testable prediction In class we discuss that the scientific method is unbiased, valid, testable, and reliable. design controlled experiments, gather data, and develop and test hypotheses

Research Methods Naturalistic observation Survey methods Case studies Observing behavior as it naturally occurs Survey methods Use of questionnaires and interviews Case studies Thorough investigation on a single participant Experimental method Involves manipulation of an independent variable

Steps in Scientific Investigation Problem/ question Observation/ research Formulate a hypothesis Collect the data Analyze and examine the data Design the study (include detailed list of materials) Communicate the results Draw conclusions

Variables Independent variable: manipulated or varied by the researcher The dependent variable: variable affected by manipulation (under the control of the independent variable) Control group: serves as the standard of comparison may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter selected” group Confounding variable: variables other than the independent variable that the can influence the dependent variable

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