Section 1.3 Scientific Processes

Observation: The Basis of Scientific Research Observation is the act of using the senses to gather information. Scientific investigations begin with observations that cause scientists to ask questions. Science is interested only in the natural world.

Stages of Scientific Investigations The Scientific Method: Collecting observations Asking questions Forming hypotheses and making predictions Confirming predictions with experiments Drawing conclusions

Stages of Scientific Investigations, continued Hypothesis—an explanation that might be true, a statement that can be tested by additional observations or experimentation Prediction—the expected outcome of a test, assuming the hypothesis is correct.

Stages of Scientific Investigations, continued Experiment—a planned procedure to test a hypothesis. Control group—a group in an experiment that receives no experimental treatment. The results of experimental group are compared to the control group’s results.

Stages of Scientific Investigations, continued Independent variable—the factor that is changed in an experiment. Dependent variable—the variable that is measured in an experiment.

Stages of Scientific Investigations, continued Drawing Conclusions Once data are collected and analyzed, a conclusion is made as to whether the data support the hypothesis.

Scientific Explanations Theory a set of related hypotheses that have been tested and confirmed many times by many scientists. A theory unites and explains a broad range of observations. The word theory is used by the general public to mean a guess, or lack of certainty. In science, a theory is a well-supported scientific explanation that makes useful predictions.

Scientific Explanations, continued Scientists report their results. This allows: Review by other scientists. Other scientists to repeat experiments.