Scientific Method
Framework for research
The Scientific Method
This method is a systematic approach to acquire knowledge through
experimentation and observation.
1. Identify a problem that needs investigation or ask a question.
2. Formulate a hypothesis.
3. Design and perform an experiment to test your hypothesis while
manipulating the independent variable and measuring the
dependent variable.
Figure 1.13 The scientific method, which forms a framework for scientific research.
Observations
Question Repeat Experimental Accept
Theory or law
data support hypothesis
hypothesis
Experiment,
Hypothesis including Observations Reject
control groups Experimental hypothesis
data do not
support
Modified hypothesis Modify
experiment hypothesis
1 Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with your institution’s guidelines regarding thesis proposals,
including formatting, length, and required sections.
2 Select a Clear Topic: Choose a specific, manageable topic that interests you and fits within your field of study.
3 Conduct Preliminary Research: Gather background information on your topic to identify gaps in the literature and
determine how your work will contribute to the field.
A gap in knowledge can be found from articles in pubmed/google scholar
Example: you are interested in studying how climate change is affecting plant growth ( You dig into the literature
and see that very few studies are looking at)
• How climate change is affecting indoor plants
• How Rising Temperatures Affect Leaf Size in Common Plants
• The Impact of Reduced Rainfall on Flowering Plants“
• How Increased CO₂ Levels Influence the Growth of Indoor Plants These are not topics
• The Effect of Drought on Root Development in Crop Plants just
• How Heat Waves Impact Seed Germination in Garden Plants examples
• Changes in Plant Growth Patterns Due to Altered Rainfall Seasons
• The Effect of Nighttime Temperature Increase on Photosynthesis
• How Soil Moisture Depletion Impacts the Growth of Vegetable Plants
• The Role of Climate Change in Altering Growth Cycles of Fruit Trees
• How Frost Frequency Affects the Growth of Flowering Shrubs
This angle now makes your research unique!!
4 Define Research Questions: Formulate clear and concise research questions or hypotheses that your thesis will
address.
A hypothesis is an educated guess or a proposed explanation (a problem that needs to be solved).
It is written in the form of a statement that will state what is being tested and how the outcome will be measured.
The hypothesis is something that can be tested.
A hypothesis is not the same as an objective though they are related.
HYPOTHESIS VS. OBJECTIVE
A hypothesis is a prediction or testable statement. It proposes an explanation that may be true or false, as proven through
experimentation.
Ex: Increasing the amount of fertilizer will increase plant growth.
This hypothesis states a predicted relationship between the independent variable (fertilizer amount) and the dependent
variable (plant growth).
An objective is the goal or aim of a research study. It describes what is hoped to be achieved by the researcher’s
investigation.
Ex: To determine the effect of fertilizer amount on the rate of plant growth.
The objective may guide the formulation of the hypothesis.
Key difference:
Aspect Hypothesis Objective
Defines the aim or goal of the
Purpose Predicts outcomes or relationships.
study.
5 Establish Objectives and variables : Clearly outline the main objectives of your research. What do you aim to
accomplish?
A clearly defined objective will give you starting point to frame a methodology, but first you MUST identify the
variables of your experiment
Independent variable (choose at least 2 )
conditions you manipulate
Dependent variable
Conditions you cannot manipulate
the test you use to measure the change from the conditions you set
Independent variables
The independent variable is the factor the researcher controls or
changes to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
• Can be manipulated:
• Conditions that can affect the results
E.g.
Temperature Type of Organisms Drought condition Soil moisture level
pH Rainfall Frequency and Intensity of Frost frequency
heat waves
Media type CO2 concentration Timing and distribution of Water availability
rainfall
Dependent variables
Dependent variable is the outcome or result that is measured and
depends on the changes in the independent variable.
• Cannot be manipulated or changed
• It’s a measurement of results
CFU/mL Absorbance Leaf size Seed germination
pH colour change of media Plant growth
zone of inhibition Flowering patterns Root development
Independent Variables: (choose only 2 variables at max)
•Minimum: 1 (to isolate the effect of one factor on the dependent variable).
•Maximum: Typically 3-5 in a single study, but this depends on the design. (maximum 2 only)
• Too many independent variables make it difficult to control for confounding effects and can
complicate data analysis.
• For example:
• Study with 1 variable: Effect of temperature on plant growth.
• Study with 2 variables: Effect of temperature and humidity on plant growth.
• Study with 3 variables: Effect of temperature, humidity, and light intensity on plant growth.
Dependent Variables
•Minimum: 1 (to measure the direct outcome of the experiment).
•Maximum: Generally unlimited, as long as they are relevant and measurable.
• Multiple dependent variables can be used to assess different aspects of the effect of the
independent variables.
• For example:
• Study with 1 variable: Measure only plant height.
• Study with multiple variables: Measure plant height, biomass, leaf area, and chlorophyll
content.
6 Methodology: Describe the research methods you plan to use. Explain how you will collect data and analyze it. Be
specific about techniques and tools.
7 Literature Review: Include a brief review of relevant literature that highlights existing research and situates your
work within the context of the field.
8 Significance of the Research: Explain the importance of your study. Why does your research matter, and who could
benefit from it?
9 Create a Timeline: Provide a realistic timeline for your research activities and milestones, indicating how you plan to
manage time effectively.
10 Proofread and Edit: Review your proposal for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Consider seeking
feedback from peers or advisors.
11 Be Realistic: Keep your proposal focused and manageable. Address any potential challenges and how you plan to
overcome them.