1. The Research Plan How Scientists Solve Problems

2. Investigate phenomenons Explain the results of investigations And use those explanations to make predictions

3. An organized method of using evidence to make predictions to learn about the natural world http://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/ve/2429/globe_west_2048.jpg

4. Scientific Research The Problem Procedure Observations & Data Conclusions Identify the Problem Collect Information Form a Hypothesis Design the Experiment Test the Hypothesis Collect and organize data Analyze your data Support or reject hypothesis based on data. Publish the results; other scientists may repeat your experiment.

5. Overview of Steps of the Scientific Method(s) 1.State the problem/Ask a question 2.Hypothesis (if…then…) 3.Design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis 4.Data analysis 5.Draw Conclusions 6.Ensure Validity Large sample size Peer review Repeat the experiment

6. Identify the Problem What problem do you observe? What do you want to know? Do some background research!

7. Observation and Inference Observation – use of one or more senses to observe something Inference – a conclusion based on your observations

8. Make observations based on the picture. What do you see?

9. Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement of your explanation It must be testable. “No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right, a single experiment can prove me wrong.”

10. “If…then” Hypotheses If you add fertilizer to your plants, then they will grow taller. If you take Flintstone vitamins, then you will grow taller.

11. Design the Experiment An experiment is a series of trials or tests that are done to support or refute a hypothesis.

12. Design a Controlled Experiment Identify the variables –The independent variable is the variable you manipulate. –The dependent variable is the variable you measure after the independent variable is applied. –The controlled variables are the variables you keep the same between the experimental and control groups.

13. Determine your sample size. –Decide on who/what are participating in your experiment. Divide the sample into groups –The experimental group(s) contains the independent variable. –The control group does not. Design a Controlled Experiment

14. The Control Group Establishes a reference point Provides a basis for comparison Allows one to determine if observed differences are due to the independent variable

15. It is important that both the control and experimental groups are treated the same except for the independent variable!

16. The Procedure Develop a safety plan. Determine your sample size. Give the control group a placebo. Give the independent variable to the experimental group. Give both groups the same experiment under the same conditions.

17. Organize the Data Make a Data Table … –Title the table –Column headings with units of measure Title Independent Variable (units) Dependent Variable (units)

18. Analyze the Data A graph shows trends or patterns in data. Types of graphs: –Pie graph –Bar graph –Histogram –Line graph

19. Rules for Graphing The independent variable is plotted on the horizontal, or x-axis. The dependent variable is plotted on the vertical, or y-axis. D I

20. and another important rule… The spacing between the numbers on both axes must be in equal increments 0 2 46 8 10 12 14 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

21. 75 70 65 60 55 50 45 191048 192055 193060 194064 195068 196070 197071 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 Changes in Life Expectancy from 1910 -1970 Year Age (in years) An Example What’s wrong with this graph? Age (in years) Year

22. Graph Construction Checklist Title your graph so the reader knows what it is illustrating. Data points are connected, and the line does not go beyond. You only know what you measured; beyond that is only speculation. Dependent variable Vertical (Y) axis Label with units Consistent scale Independent variable Horizontal (X) axis Label with units Consistent scale

23. What does the graph tell you?

24. Draw Conclusions Based on the data collected, is the hypothesis supported? Subject Rating with Placebo Rating with TestCalm 164 255 345 454 578 679 798 885 986 1078

25. Is your research valid? How do you know if the research is correct and valid? –A large sample size was used. –Repeat the experiment and obtain similar results. –Publish the results and have peers review the results.

26. What is the relationship between heart rate and exercise of subject 2? http://www.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk/exspsci/home/students/lab-report/images/pics/graph_demo.jpg

27. What is the relationship between distance ran and the number of trials?

28. What is the relationship between heart rate and temperature?

29. How do we test the hypothesis?

30. Back to A+ TestCalmer… The hypothesis: –If you take A+ TestCalmer, then you will be calmer when you take a test. What are you testing or manipulating? –You manipulate the independent variable. The Independent Variable is the A+ TestCalmer!

31. How will you know if A+ TestCalmer works? What could you measure? –You measure the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the rating scale. On a scale of 1 to 10, my anxiety is a definite 9!

32. The Procedure Develop a safety plan. Determine your sample size. Give the control group a placebo. Give the A+ TestCalm to the experimental group. Give both groups the same test under the same conditions. Have them rate their anxiety on a scale of 1 - 10.

33. A+ TestCalm Data Title the table so it relates the independent variable to the dependent variable. Column headings include the dependent and independent variables. Column headings must indicate the units of measure. Subject Rating with Placebo* Rating with TestCalm* 164 255 345 454 578 679 798 885 986 1078 The Effect of A+ TestCalm on Anxiety *Anxiety rating based on a scale of 1 - 10

34. Draw Conclusions Based on the data collected, is the hypothesis supported? Subject Rating with Placebo Rating with TestCalm 164 255 345 454 578 679 798 885 986 1078

37. Citations http://advanced-graph-and-chart-collection- for.smartcode.com/images/sshots/advanced_graph_and_chart_collection_for_23790.gifhttp://advanced-graph-and-chart-collection- for.smartcode.com/images/sshots/advanced_graph_and_chart_collection_for_23790.gif http://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/ve/2429/globe_west_2048.jpg