SCIENTIFIC METHOD

INTRO NOTES: SCIENTIFIC METHOD

What is the Scientific Method?

1. State the Problem

2. Analyze the Problem

3. Form a Hypothesis

Hypothesis

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

4. Test the Hypothesis

Control

Control Group

Experimental Group

5. Record and Analyze Information

Qualitative Data

Quantitative Data

6. Form a Conclusion

THEORY VERSUS LAW

1. __________ are based on tested hypotheses;

2. __________ are supported by a large body of empirical data;

3. __________ help unify a particular field;

4. __________ are widely accepted by the vast majority (if not all) scientists within a discipline.

5. Furthermore, __________ scientific laws and scientific theories __________ be shown to be wrong at some time if there are data to suggest so. Theoryexplanation supported by lots of experiments

__________ - An explanation for an observation or series of observations that is substantiated by a considerable body of evidence (Krimsley, 1995). __________ - A set of observed regularities expressed in a concise verbal or mathematical statement. (Krimsley, 1995).

PERFORMING A LAB

1. ____________________: read the lab __________.2. ______________ and organize all needed materials.3. Follow the procedures ____________________.4. Record __________ observations (no matter how small) and use proper __________ of measurements. 5. __________ all equipment and put it back where you found it.6. Answer the questions that go with the lab; use _________________ sentences with no ____________________.

LAB RULES

1.

2. Perform __________ the activities that are ___________________________ by the teacher.3. _______________________ laboratory equipment only when instructed to do so.4. Report all __________________________ to the teacher immediately.5. Do not _________ or __________ chemicals for the fun of it.6. Always ______________ up your workspace when you are finished.