The Scientific Method
A systemic framework that allows one to make observations and answer questions through systematic experimentation.
The scientific method is a tool used to discover cause and effect relationships [1].
As some research questions are very complex, it is important to keep in mind that scientists do not always follow the scientific method exactly (for example some questions cannot be tested directly or significant modification of the scientific method is needed) [1].
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The scientific method can be broken down into 6 main steps!
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Ask a question
Do background research
Construct a hypothesis
Test with an experiment
Procedure working?
No
Yes
Analyze data and draw conclusions
Results align with hypothesis
Results align partially or not at all with hypothesis
Communicate results
Troubleshoot procedure. Carefully check all steps and setup.
Experimental data becomes background research for new/future project. Ask new question, form new hypothesis, experiment again!
Once you feel comfortable with the scientific method, go to the practice exercise below!
Observations can lead to questions of How, What, Why, When or Where [1]. These questions must be specific and testable by an experiment [1].
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Sometimes you do not know enough about the topic you are questioning so conducting background research is essential [1]. Background research can come in a variety of resources and formats including online published journals, print textbooks or talking to experts in the field [1].
Make an Observation and ask a Testable Question about that Observation
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A hypothesis is a prediction about our question that is easy to test and measure [1]. A hypothesis can have many formats [1]. For example, a hypothesis can be stated as “If (I manipulate this) then (the effect of the manipulation) will be this” [1].
Construct a Hypothesis
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A hypothesis can be tested by an experiment to check if it is supported or not [1]. Within an experiment there are three main variables that must be considered.
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Independent Variable - the only variable you manipulate or change in an experiment [1]. Usually only one or very few independent variables are manipulated in an experiment.
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Dependent Variable - the variable that is measured and affected by the Independent Variable [1]. Depending on the experiment, there may be many dependent variables.
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Control Variables - variables that stay the same throughout the experiment and are not changed [1].
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Once variables are determined, a step-by-step procedure can be created and used to collect data from the experiment [1].
In order to make the results reproducible, it is important to repeat the experiment multiple times for each different condition [1].
Test with an Experiment
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Once the procedure is determined to be working properly and any issues have been troubleshooted, the experiment can be run and the data collected during the experiment can be analyzed [1].
If the hypothesis is not supported (which happens often), the information learned from the experiment can be used to create new predictions and hypotheses to get closer to the questions asked [1].
Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions
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Data and results from the experiment can be presented in a written report, scientific journal, or oral presentation [1]. This information can be used by others who are also interested in the same experimental question and topic [1].
Communicate Results & Repeat!
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Let's Do An Example!
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