The Scientific Method Section 21

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The Scientific MethodSection 2-1

• A logical approach to problem
  solving.

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Step 1.

• Observing the System Collecting Preliminary
  Data
• the SYSTEM is the specific matter in a given
  space that is being studied
• data can be QUANTITATIVE (numerical) or
  QUALITATIVE (descriptive)
• ex of each??

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Step 2.

• Formulating Hypotheses
• the preliminary data are analyzed to form
  relationships and patterns
• based on these generalizations, the HYPOTHESIS
  (educated guess) is formed
• hypotheses are often stated in if-then form
• ex??

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Step 3.

• Testing Hypotheses
• experiments are conducted to provide new, more
  extensive data
• the experimental data either supports or refutes
  the hypothesis
• if the hypothesis is rejected
• Do not pass Go! Do not collect 200! Go back
  to Step 2!

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Step 4.

• Theorizing
• when the data supports the hypothesis, a model
  (explanation) of the phenomenon is created
• the model may be visual, verbal, or mathematical
• eventually, with enough supporting evidence, a
  model may become part of a theory

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Step 5.

• Publish results!
• Live the life of a rich and famous scientist!
• All right, not rich, but at least famous!
• All right, not really all that famous, either.