The Scientific Method . . . ?
- Rick Bobrick
- Sep 10, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 13, 2020
A “method” is a particular way of completing some type of task. So which type of “task” is the Scientific Method used for you might wonder? That’s easy! The SCIENTIFIC METHOD is an exact method for planning and conducting controlled EXPERIMENTS.
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Understanding the key features of the SCIENTIFIC METHOD will help science students understand the logic of conducting controlled, “cause-and-effect” experiments. Let’s take a look:
HYPOTHESIS: a written statement that predicts how changing the manipulated (independent) variable being tested will affect the responding (dependent) variable that must be measurable. It is usually written using the “If . . . Then” format.
TWO separate TESTS – with only ONE DIFFERENCE with all other test conditions held constant. The “one difference” is the manipulated variable that is being tested for by the experimenter. Manipulated simply means it is the one variable that is purposely changed in each of the two tests. Keeping all other test conditions the same (constant) and only changing the one variable being tested ensures that it is the only condition that can affect the responding variable. If two variables/conditions are changed, then it is impossible to know which one affected the outcome. The two tests are called the Experimental Test and the Control Test.
COMPARING MEASUREMENTS of the responding variable from the two tests to prove or disprove the hypothesis
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Now let’s see if you can identify the manipulated and responding variables in this hypothesis:
If cold water is heated, then table sugar will dissolve faster (in less time).
1) WATER TEMPERATURE is the __ variable
2) DISSOLVING TIME is the __ variable.
To be sure that the responding variable is measurable, you must be able to identify the
measuring instrument/method. Give it a try:
3) I would use a __ to measure __ (responding variable).
4) Can you describe how the experimental test would be different from the control test?
5) Can you list all of the other test conditions that would have to be held constant?
ANSWERS
1) manipulated, 2) responding, 3) stopwatch/timer; dissolving time; 4) Experimental: HOT water Control: COLD water
5) SAME: amount of water; type of water; amount of sugar; type of sugar; stirring rate; beakers; room conditions
Attached are two forms that will help any science student plan and conduct an experiment. The second form is a simplified version. All you need is a curious question to get you started and a responding variable that can be measured (or counted)!
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