READ: The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method of Problem Solving
The scientific method – (a method of investigation involving experimentation and observation) is a way to acquire new knowledge, solve problems, and answer questions. Scientists frequently list the scientific method as a series of steps. Some scientists oppose this listing of steps because not all steps occur in every case, nor do they always occur in the same order. The scientific method is listed here as a series of steps, but you should remember that you are not required to rigidly follow this list. Instead, the scientific method is a valuable tool that provides a basic and adaptable strategy for tackling scientific questions.
a) Identify the problem or phenomenon that needs to be investigated. This is sometimes referred to as “defining the problem.”
b) Gather and organize data on the problem. This step is also known as “making observations.”
c) Suggest a hypothesis – (a possible solution or explanation)
d) Conduct an experiment – (a controlled method of testing a hypothesis) to test the hypothesis by making new observations.
e) If the new observations support the hypothesis, you accept the hypothesis for further testing. If the new observations do not agree with your hypothesis, add the new observations to your observation list and revisit your problem or experiment. This step is called a conclusion.
Scientific Hypotheses, Theories, and Laws
A hypothesis that has passed many supportive tests is often called a theory –(an explanation that summarizes a hypothesis or a set of hypotheses and has been supported with repeated testing by many different people). Theories have a great deal more supportive testing behind them than do hypotheses.
In science, theories can either be descriptive (qualitative) or mathematical (quantitative). However, a scientific theory must be falsifiable, or capable of being proved false, in order to be accepted as a theory. A theory is never proven true and is never a “fact.” As long as a theory is consistent with all observations, scientists will continue to use it. When a theory is contradicted by observations, it is discarded, replaced or modified.
A theory is also a possible explanation for a law. A scientific law – (a statement that summarizes the results of many observations and experiments) describes an observed pattern in data that occurs without any known exception, for example, Newton’s laws of motion. A scientific law that has withstood the test of time is incorporated into the field of knowledge. Because they explain the patterns described in laws, theories can be used to predict future events.
In this video a teacher discusses the difference between a theory and a law:
Lesson Summary
- The scientific method is a method of investigation involving experimentation and observation to acquire new knowledge, solve problems, and answer questions.
- Parts included in the scientific method are:
- Identify the problem
- Gather data (make observations)
- Suggest a hypothesis
- Test the hypothesis (experiment)
- Accept the hypothesis for further testing, or reject the hypothesis and make a new one.
- A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that can be tested by further investigation.
- A theory is an explanation that summarizes a hypothesis or a set of hypotheses and has been supported with repeated testing.
- A scientific law is a statement that summarizes the results of many observations and experiments.
CC-BY-NC-SA Utah State Office of Education. Material adapted from ck12.org
After you have completed this part of the lesson, you can check the associated box on the main course page to mark it as complete 