From the example,
you can now repeat and
demonstrate that the computer and television were the answer.
You can repeat this
condition, and predict the outcome (experiment or test your theory).
If not paying your bill was the problem, you can repeat that also,
but it can be
expensive and inconvenient!
The Scientific Method
State the problem and observe conditions
Observe or wonder about something in your world, or in your class,
and wonder how, why, when, something occurs
- Create a short, meaningful title
of your project
- Write out a statement of purpose
that describes what you want to do
- Make a careful, step-by-step notation
of your observation
- Be objective!
and do not guess why something is happening. That takes place later
- Gather information of similar research
This is a literature review
- Identify significant conditions
or factors of the situation
- Summarize the problem
in a clear, simple statement. Emphasize the end result or effect
Form your hypothesis
Research options:
- What are possible causes for what you observed?
- Could they reliably and consistently predict or determine the same
outcome?
- What causes are the least likely to affect the outcome?
- What are the best choices?
Choose the best option
or answer to your problem as your hypothesis.
This will be an "educated guess" based upon both your observation and past
experiences
State your hypothesis
in a simple, clear statement
Hypothesis: a possible explanation for a cause and
effect of a given situation or set of factors that can be tested, and can
be repetitively proved right (or wrong!) (Remember: A hypothesis is not an
observation or description of an event, that is in the first, observation
stage!)
Test
Types of data you need
- The physical sciences of chemistry and physics rely heavily on numbers
as data, and on replicable experimentation to measure and calculate
results
- Sciences such as sociology rely on interviews and observation due to
limitations of experimentation with human subjects, and use descriptions
and inferences to arrive at results
Design an experiment to test your hypothesis
- Make a step-by-step procedure with each step's purpose
- List and obtain materials and equipment you will need
- Identify two groups in the test: the control group is your reference
point; no variables are changed; the experimental group is the focus of
changes to affect the outcome
- Rely on your past experience to identify variables, but consult with a
knowledgeable person for a second opinion
Run a series of experiments
- Change only one variable in each experiment in order to isolate
effects reliably
- Make and record accurate measurements
- Repeat the test as often as necessary with the experimental group to
verify your results. Always change only one thing, or variable, in each
test
- Repeat successful tests with other groups to verify your findings
Common mistakes
- The hypothesis is assumed
to be the "answer" and is not supported with testing
- Data is ignored
that doesn't support your outcome
- Beliefs/bias blind you to fatal flaws
in the testing phase
- Systematic errors are not noticed
and are repeated within each experiment. These bias the outcome's standard
deviation
- Equipment or conditions are not adequate
Draw conclusions
- Summarize your results and conclusions use graphs and tables to
illustrate these
- Refer back to your observations, data, and hypothesis for consistency
- Note difficulties and problems, items for further research, or what
you would do differently if you could
If you did not prove your hypothesis,
you have succeeded in another
sense!
- Unsuccessful experiments provide information that can lead to answers
by eliminating options
- save someone the trouble of repeating your experiments
- suggest other ways of solving similar problems
Remember: research builds on the work of others.
See also:
Frank Wolfs, APPENDIX E:
Introduction to the Scientific Method
Flash exercise
contributed by
Ingrid Noble and
Dr. Brad Hokanson, Interactive
Media (DHA 4384) School of Design,
University of Minnesota.
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