The Scientific Method

The Scientific MethodAsk a question

(based on observations)

Form a hypothesisCollect the data (to test the hypothesis)

Analyze the dataDraw conclusions

Asking a research question

Making an observation (information obtained through the use of senses) starts the scientific process with a research question.

Forming a hypothesis

When observations are joined by an inference (drawing logical conclusions based on what you know and what you have learned), then a hypothesis is formed.

Research Question v. Hypothesis

Research Question Hypothesis

Will eating Cheerios every day lower a person’s cholesterol?

If a person eats Cheerios every day, then it will lower his cholesterol.

What caused the flashlight to malfunction?

If the flashlight has dead batteries, then it will not work.

What caused the flashlight to malfunction?

If the flashlight has a burned out bulb, then it will not work.

Collecting data

We plan an experimental design in order to test the hypothesis. The experiment generates information which we collect.

Analyzing data

Data collected from the experiment has to be analyzed to make sense out of it.

Draw and report conclusions

Finally, the collected and analyzed data shows that either the hypothesis was supported or not.