1.2 Scientific Thinking

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Chapter 1 Chemistry in Our Lives

1.2

Scientific Method: Thinking like a

Scientist

Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

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Scientific Method

The scientific method is the process used by scientists to explain observations in nature.


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Scientific Method

The scientific method involves

• Making Observations

• Writing a Hypothesis

• Doing Experiments

• Proposing a Theory


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Features of the Scientific MethodObservations• Facts obtained by observing and measuring events in

nature.

Hypothesis• A statement that explains the observations.

Experiments• Procedures that test the hypothesis.

Theory • A model that describes how the observations occur

using experimental results.

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Summary of the Scientific Method


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Everyday Scientific Thinking

Observation: The sound from a CD in a CD player skips.

Hypothesis 1: The CD player is faulty.

Experiment 1: When I replace the CD with another one, the sound from this second CD is OK.

Hypothesis 2: The original CD has a defect.

Experiment 2: When I play the CD in another player, the sound still skips.

Theory: My experimental results indicate the original CD has a defect.

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Learning Check

The step of scientific method indicated in each is

1) observation 2) hypothesis

3) experiment 4) theory

A. A blender does not work when plugged in.

B. The blender motor is broken.

C. The plug has malfunctioned.

D. The blender does not work when plugged into a different outlet.

E. The blender needs repair.

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Solution

The step of scientific method indicated in each is

1) observation 2) hypothesis

3) experiment 4) theory

A. (1) A blender does not work when plugged in.

B. (2) The blender motor is broken.

C. (2) The plug has malfunctioned.

D. (3) The blender does not work when plugged

into a different outlet.

E. (4) The blender needs repair.

1.2 Scientific Thinking

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