Scientific Inquiry
Published on Nov 19, 2015
Scientific inquiry; parts of the scientific method
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
Science is the study of the natural world.
Scientific inquiry can take many forms.
Scientific inquiry can take many forms.
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OBSERVE
Qualitative and quantitative data
Observations are data gathered using the senses.
Observations can be direct or indirect (inferences).
Inferences must be based on observations and prior knowledge.
Qualitative data do not include numbers. Examples are red, shiny, rough, clear.
Quantitative data include numbers or figures. Examples are 24 bears, 3rd, 48 cm long, 8 g, 44 degrees C. Scientists normally use SI measurements.
Observations can be direct or indirect (inferences).
Inferences must be based on observations and prior knowledge.
Qualitative data do not include numbers. Examples are red, shiny, rough, clear.
Quantitative data include numbers or figures. Examples are 24 bears, 3rd, 48 cm long, 8 g, 44 degrees C. Scientists normally use SI measurements.
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1. QUESTION
Must be testable.
Also known as the Purpose in a controlled experiment.
The question you ask must be testable.
It must be about the natural world.
It is not a question about opinion or values.
The question you ask must be testable.
It must be about the natural world.
It is not a question about opinion or values.
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RESEARCH
Prior knowledge and experiences
What is already known about this topic?
Sometimes we may want to repeat another scientist's experiment to see if the results are valid.
Sometimes we may want to change another scientist's experiment in some way to discover more information.
Sometimes we may want to repeat another scientist's experiment to see if the results are valid.
Sometimes we may want to change another scientist's experiment in some way to discover more information.
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2.HYPOTHESIZE
If...then... statement
A hypothesis is the possible explanation for your observations or the possible answer to your question.
It must be testable by observation or experimentation.
In a controlled experiment, it is an "If...then" statement.
The "if"part refers to the manipulated (independent) variable. This is the factor you will change during the experiment.
The "then" part refers to the responding (dependent) variable. This is the factor you predict will change during the experiment because of the manipulated variable.
It must be testable by observation or experimentation.
In a controlled experiment, it is an "If...then" statement.
The "if"part refers to the manipulated (independent) variable. This is the factor you will change during the experiment.
The "then" part refers to the responding (dependent) variable. This is the factor you predict will change during the experiment because of the manipulated variable.
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3. TEST YOUR HYPOTHESIS
Experiment; Model
In a controlled experiment, you keep all variables the same (constant) except for the ONE manipulated variable you are testing.
If possible, set up a control group (one that has no change in the manipulated variable) so you can compare the results you get in the experimental group.
Run multiple trials to ensure that your results have more reliability.
When designing a controlled experiment, include a list of the materials you will use and a procedure (step by step directions) so others can repeat your experiment later.
During the experiment, observe carefully and keep detailed notes of the data you collect.
If possible, set up a control group (one that has no change in the manipulated variable) so you can compare the results you get in the experimental group.
Run multiple trials to ensure that your results have more reliability.
When designing a controlled experiment, include a list of the materials you will use and a procedure (step by step directions) so others can repeat your experiment later.
During the experiment, observe carefully and keep detailed notes of the data you collect.
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4. ANALYZE
Data tables, averages, graphs
Interpret the data you gathered during the experiment.
If you have not already done so, organize the data into a data table.
Average the results of your trials.
If possible, graph the data.
Look for patterns.
Look for problems in your experimental design that may have affected your results.
If you have not already done so, organize the data into a data table.
Average the results of your trials.
If possible, graph the data.
Look for patterns.
Look for problems in your experimental design that may have affected your results.
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5. CONCLUDE
Does data support the hypothesis?
Draw a conclusion.
It must be based on your data.
First state whether the data supports or does not support the hypothesis.
Provide an explanation of the data.
Include any error analysis, if needed.
Provide extensions - what could you do next?
This may lead to a new hypothesis.
It must be based on your data.
First state whether the data supports or does not support the hypothesis.
Provide an explanation of the data.
Include any error analysis, if needed.
Provide extensions - what could you do next?
This may lead to a new hypothesis.
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6.COMMUNICATE
Peer review
Sharing your work with other scientists allows them to reproduce your experiment and confirm your conclusions.
It also contributes to the body of knowledge so others can learn from your successes and failures.
Some of the more common ways that scientists communicate their results are by writing articles in scientific journals, publishing their findings on the internet or in a book, and giving speeches at scientific conventions and meetings.
It also contributes to the body of knowledge so others can learn from your successes and failures.
Some of the more common ways that scientists communicate their results are by writing articles in scientific journals, publishing their findings on the internet or in a book, and giving speeches at scientific conventions and meetings.
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