1. Process of the Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a way to solve a problem
This is the method on which all projects should be based.

3. The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method involves the following steps:
Making observations
Formulating a hypothesis
Designing a controlled experiment
Collecting and interpreting data
Forming a conclusion
Comparing the conclusion with existing knowledge
Reporting and publishing the results
Developing theories and principles

4. Steps in the scientific method
Observation
Question
Hypothesis
Test/Experiment
Results
Conclusions

5. Observation
You observe something using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses.

6. Question You ask a question about what you observed.
State it as a problem or question.

7. Learning check
What are the steps in the Scientific Method?

8. Hypothesis Hypothesis: a testable‚ tentative answer to a question   
You predict what you think the answer to your question might be.The hypothesis is a testable explanation for what was observed.
The scientist tries to explain what caused what was observed.

9. Experiment
You figure out a way to test whether your hypothesis is correct or not. The outcome must be measurable. (quantifiable)
Record and analyze data.

10. Result
You do the experiment(s) using the method you came up with and record the results.
You repeat the experiment to confirm your results.

11. Learning check
What is the next step?
The Conclusion

12. Conclusion
You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results.

13. Compare
You compare your conclusion with existing
knowledge.

14. Finally You Report and Publish your results.
You Develop a theory or principle.

15. Need to know State the process of the Scientific Method
Explain the following:
Observation, ■ Hypothesis,
Design Experiment,
Record & Analyze Data,
Conclusions,
Compare to Existing Knowledge,
Reporting, ■ Theory ■ Principle

16. Limitations of the Scientific Method

17. Limitations of the Scientific Method
Is limited by the extent of our basic knowledge
Is limited by our ability to interpret the results
is limited to what can be observed with the five senses e.g., what existed prior to the Big Bang and the known universe is outside of the realm of science to investigate
is limited to the present
tells us “how” a process works, not “why” e.g., does not really explain why the Universe exists

18. Limitations of the Scientific Method
may be affected by the emotional involvement of investigator
may be affected by time pressure for results
ethical and legal responsibilities
Religious beliefs
we can never be sure all untested variables are controlled

19. Need to know
State the limitations of value of the Scientific Method

20. 1.1.3 Experimentation

21. (Hint: I change the Independent variable)
What is an experiment?
1. An experiment is a controlled test.
2. Only one variable should be changed at a time.
a. Independent variable – changed by the experimenter.
(Hint: I change the Independent variable)
b. Dependent variable (Responding) – the effect.

22. What is an experiment? 3. Constants do not change.
4. Controlled variables are those which could change, but are not allowed to.
5. Two parts to an experiment:
a. Control group – normal conditions.
b. Experimental group(s) – variables are changed.
6. Prediction is the goal of experiments.

23. How to organise an experiment OR The Principles of Experimentation
Plan and design the experiment
Be aware of Safety procedures
Select organisms at random
Use a large enough sample size
Use a control group
Use Double-blind testing
Change one factor at a time
Measure changes
Analyze the results
State possible sources of error
Repeat the experiment

24. Learning check What is an experiment?
It is a controlled test where only one variable is changed at a time.

25. An example of an experiment
Observation: It has been suggested that large daily doses of Vitamin C protect against the common cold virus.
Hypothesis: Vitamin C protects against the common cold virus

26. An example of an experiment
Experiment design: Ten adult males in their mid twenties who are friends of the investigator were chosen to test the possible value of vitamin C.
5 of them were given 3000mg of vitamin C a day; the other 5 were given a placebo.
Which is the control group?
Which is the experimental group?
Is this a good experiment?

27. Problems with experiment design
All males
All mid twenties
All friends
Not a large enough sample

28. A Good Experiment Should Have only one variable
Use a large number of samples
Use random selection
Be repeated
Use double blind testing

29. Learning objectives Random Selection Planning & Design Replicaton
Can you state about eight principles of experimentation?
Random Selection
Replicaton
Double-Blind Testing
Sources of errors
Planning & Design
Safety Procedure
Control Experiment
Sample Size

30. END