The+Scientific+Method




 * The Scientific Method** is a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested. It is used to investigate phenomenon, acquire new knowledge, or correct previous and integrate previous knowledge. It's purpose is to create an accurate, reliable, consistent and non-arbitrary representation of the world. It attempts to allow reality speak for itself through empiricism, the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience. It has five steps:

I. **Make Observation** Begin by observing a phenomenon or group of phenomena. Be as objective as possible, only taking into account what is observable.

II. **Forming a Hypothesis** Forming ideas about the phenomenon eventually leads to a hypothesis, or a working explanation for the phenomenon with limited evidence. This is a starting point for the investigation and the hypothesis should be testable. Hypothesis should generally be stated as an "if...then" statement. The test should be set up to test the validity of the statement. Another important aspect to a testable hypothesis is its ability to be falsified. Ask "can the experiment reveal the statement to be untrue?" If these two criteria are met, then the hypothesis can be addressed using the scientific method.

III. **Designing the Experiment** An experiment must be designed that can test the hypothesis. An experiment deals with the controlling and measuring variables. There are three different types of variables: controlled, independent and dependent variable. Controlled variables are the constants, the variables which help make the test reproducible. Independent variables are variables the experimenter control, which is directly related to the "if" portion of the hypothesis statement. Dependent variables are typically the outcome, these variables //depend// on the independent variable.

IV. **Conducting the** **Experiment** This is the portion of the scientific method in which the hypothesis is tested. The experiment is conducted as it was designed and produces results which may falsify or verify the hypothesis. It is a good idea to have a separate control group and experimental group. This allows the experimenter to have a reference point to test the integrity of the experiment.

V. **Analyze the Data** The data is all information gained from the experiment. It could be in the form of numbers and measurements but can also be in the form of empirical observation. The data either verifies or falsifies the hypothesis, which allows the experimenter to draw a conclusion.

The scientific method does not end there. In fact, the final step often leads one back to the beginning. If the results of the experiment falsify the hypothesis, then a new hypothesis can be formed out of the observations made in the experiment. Another unofficial step to the scientific method is to report the findings. If the findings falsify another theory or somehow integrate into another theory then the results should be published and peer-reviewed. Scientists will often attempt to reproduce experiments, therefore it is important for an experiment and its steps to be well documented.

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Jeffrey Wandrak