The Scientific Method
Bio 11
What is the Scientific Method?
• A series of steps used by scientists to solve a
problem or answer a question:
1. Make an Observation/Ask a Question
2.Make a Hypothesis
3. Design an Experiment
4.Analyze the Results
5.Form a Conclusion
Observations and Questions
• The scientific method begins by making observations and identifying a problem
or asking a question:
• Why does a plant bend toward the light?
• How come animals of the same species have differing traits?
• What is the fastest route from my house to the school?
Hypothesis
• A possible explanation for your problem or
question.
• It must be stated in a way that is testable.
• Evidence can be gathered that does or does
not support the statement.
Experiment
• The factors in an experiment that can be changed are called
variables.
• Only one variable can be changed at a time or else you
won’t know what caused the result.
• An experiment is based on the comparison between a
control group and an experimental group.
3 Types of Variables
• Independent Variable – The variable that is deliberately
changed by the scientist.
• Dependent Variable – This is the variable that we are
observing during the experiment that is a result of
changing the independent variable.
• Controlled Variable – These are all other variables in the
experiment that must remain unchanged or the result
may be effected.
Analyze Results
• The data collected must be recorded and organized to
make sure it is reliable.
• Does the data support the hypothesis?
Qualitative vs Quantitative
• Qualitative Data – Descriptions that involve characteristics that
cannot be measured.
• Quantitative Data – Numbers that are obtained by counting or
measuring.
Conclusion
• The evidence collected from the experiment is used to prove or
disprove the hypothesis.
• The experiment must be repeated multiple times with similar results
in order to prove the hypothesis.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7sSuhQ1_24