The Scientific Methods
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1.4 What Is Science? (1 of 2)
• Science is a way of knowing—an approach to
understanding the natural world.
– Science uses an evidence-based process of inquiry to
investigate the natural world.
– The scientific approach involves observations,
hypotheses, predictions, tests of hypotheses via
experiments or additional observations, and analysis
of data.
– A scientific theory is broad in scope and supported by
a large body of evidence.
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Figure 1.4_1
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Figure 1.4_2
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Figure 1.4_3
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OBSERVATION
Quantitative Observations
• involves measurements and numbers
• are the answer of “how much” questions;
• are done by meter, thermometer, balance, graduated cylinder etc.
• ex: Ahmet runs 400 meters in a minute, Water boils at 100 oC
Qualitative observation
• does not involve numbers or measurements
• are the answer of “how” and “what” questions
• are done by sense organs
• ex: Ahmet runs fast, Water boils by heating
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Hypothesis Can Be Tested Using
Controlled Experiments
• In an experimental test of a hypothesis, researchers often
manipulate one component in a system and observe the
effects of this change.
– The factor that is manipulated is called the
independent variable.
– The measure used to judge the outcome of the
experiment is called the dependent variable. This
variable depends on the manipulated variable.
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Controlled Experiment: is a fair test in which all variables are controlled except the one
being investigated.
In controlled experiments there are two group:
1. Control Group
2. Experimental Group
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Example: Suppose that you are testing drug or medicine which can kill bacteria.
You need two groups of people.
● The first group is control group
● The second group is the experimental group.
– Both groups are infected by the same bacteria.
– We are testing the effects of the drug on this bacteria.
– We have to give the drug to the experimental group because the drug is the variable.
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Independent variable:
Dependent Variable:
Constant/Constans:
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IMPORTANT
Evaluating the Results of the Observations and the Experiments
● If the results of the experiments do not support the hypothesis, it is either revised or
changed.
● A new hypothesis is formed by evaluating all the available data. Formulating hypothesis
and testing steps are repeated until a valid hypothesis is found.
● A hypothesis confirmed by experiments is a truth.
Drawing Conclusions
· The results of a single experiment are not enough to draw conclusions. Therefore the
scientist must review/repeat/perform the experiment many times before coming to a
conclusion. (accuracy)
· After repeating the experiment again and again, and finding the same result, the scientist
will be sure that he/she came to valid conclusion.
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Theory VS Law
• If the hypothesis is still found to be true after conclusions, and other
experiments continue to support it, it is called a theory. A good theory explains
the facts and also predicts new facts.
• If a theory contradicts with new finding, it is modified or discarded. A new theory
is established. The theory cannot be changed into law.
A scientific law has universal acceptance.
Ex: Law of gravity
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QUESTION
dependent variable:
independent variable:
constants:
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REVIEW:
1-When does a Hypothesis get accepted as a theory?
2-Define Constant, Independent and Dependent variable
3-Write the steps of scientific method
4-Types of Observations:
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