Scientific Method Biology I
Definition of scientific method Series of steps in a logical order that scientists use to help them solve problems There are 8 steps Observe State the problem Form a hypothesis Conduct a controlled experiment Collect data Draw conclusion Conduct multiple trials (repeat experiment) Publish results
observation Start with an observation, a question, or a problem.
State the problem What do you want to find out ? Research the problem. What is already known about the problem? Problem- question that needs solving
Form a hypothesis Develop a testable statement that tells what you think will happen. Hypothesis- testable statement for a problem
Conduct a controlled experiment Determine the dependent and independent variables. Determine what you will use as controls in the experiment. Experiment- a set of steps performed to collect data Independent variable- what the experimenter changes Dependent variable- what is being measured, counted, or observed Controls- elements that are kept the same in the experiment also known as constants Control Group- group that does not receive the independent variable Experimental group- group(s) that receive the Independent variable
Collect data Determine what types of data you will collect? (tables, charts) How will you interpret your data? (diagrams, graphs) Tables- used to record data during an experiment Quantitative data- numbers, measurements Qualitative data- information that is not numbers Graphs- used to display data for easy interpretation Diagrams- used to display data to show relationships between objects or parts Upward Trend- data on graph increases over time Downward trend- data on graph decreases over time Peaking Trend – data on graph increases over time, reaches a high point and then decreases Constant Trend- data on graph stays the same
Bar Graph- used to show categories Line graph- used to show change over time Pie or Circle graph- used to show data as parts of a whole
Draw conclusions Based on your data, was your hypothesis correct? If it was not correct, can you develop a new hypothesis? Conclusion- what you find out from the experiment based on the data collected
Conduct multiple trials Repeat the experiment to see if your results are the same or if they differ. If the experiment is repeated many times under similar conditions, then it may lead to a theory. Trials- the number of times you repeat an experiment Theory – idea that is accepted as true because so much evidence supports it
Publish results Share what you have learned with your fellow scientists.
Any questions about the scientific method?