The Scientific Research
PUSHING BACK THE FRONTIERS OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
Dr. Prashant Mehta
SCIENCE?
SCIENCE
SCIENCE AS A TOOL
How do you know if your theory (idea, model, hypothesis) is right? - You can test it!
Science is a tool for telling you what works!
A scientific theory explain what is seen and predict what will happen in the future.
THEORIES - GUESSES - LAWS
• What does the word “Theory” mean to you?“A conjecture; guess” (Webster’s Dictionary)
• Does it mean the same to a scientist?“A model which has been born out by repeated tests and observation.”
• Is a Theory less than a Law?“Evolution is just a theory, it is not a fact.”
• Do Theories “grow up” to be Laws?“Einstein’s Theory of Relativity”
MAKE NO PREDICTIONS
UN-TESTABLE
CAN’T BE FALSIFIED
INQUIRY INQUIRY BASED BASED
LEARNINGLEARNING
To Experience
To Become Acquainted with Scientific Method
Through Planned Experimentation
(Learning by Doing: Observation,
Experimentation, and Research)
Thinking that helps in understanding Scientific
phenomenon and Concepts
Take a closer look at these steps and the scientific terminology
before we start a science based project
Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation
Scientist have to take the time to think logically when
they are investigating a question or problem.
Scientists break things down into many steps
that make sense
Scientists develop a question, gather information and form an hypothesis.
Predict a possible answer to the problem or question by FORMULATING HYPOTHESIS.
Make in depth OBSERVATIONS and RESEARCH on your topic of interest
The next step scientists take is to create and conduct an experiment to TEST
their hypothesis.
TRIALS refer to replicate groups
that are exposed to the same
conditions in an experiment.
EXPERIMENTDevelop and follow a procedure and the outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).
A key to experiments is observing, gathering
information, collecting data, and DOCUMENTING it so it
is readable and makes sense to others or peer group.
Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting.Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
Once a scientist completes an experiment, they often REPEAT it to see if they get the
same findings and results.
VERIFYING or checking of data and results obtained is very important to make sure everything was valid and
will repeat again and again.
Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
Make a NEW recommendation for further study and possible improvements
Scientists share their experiments and findings with others.
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