The Scientific Method:
The scientific method is a process for investigating ideas, obtaining new knowledge, to combine ideas together and correcting incorrect ideas or theories. It is important as it provides an orderly, logical and efficient structure for resolving problems, deducing theories and clearing uncertain ideas. Through having logical steps, the scientific method makes it clear for the experimenter to understand what is occurring and what they are doing in relation their aim and hypothesis. This provides the experimenter with a distinct and well-defined ability to understand the meaning of the investigation results.
It is a procedure which attempts to prove a theory (the hypothesis) through experimentation, observation and measurement.
Steps of the investigation:
It is a procedure which attempts to prove a theory (the hypothesis) through experimentation, observation and measurement.
Steps of the investigation:
- Research: Research is the vital step before starting anything. The scientific method places this first as the experimenter can gather data from previous attempts of the experiment/ similar experiments by other experimenters or research about information regarding the topic and use this information to their advantage.
- Constructing an investigation proposal: This is the second step, and is placed there for a good reason. After obtaining background information, the experimenter needs to plan out their investigation; what is the aim (why is the experimenter doing the experiment?), what is the hypothesis (what does the experimenter think will happen?), equipment & materials (what does the experimenter need in order to carry out the experiment?), etc. The scientific method places this step next as it is important for the experimenter to understand what they are doing in relation to their aim, what they want to find out, what they need to do, risk assessment, their variables and what they need in order do the experiment.
- Attempting to prove the hypothesis through experimentation: The third step; carrying out the experiment in an attempt to prove the hypothesis to be correct. The scientific method places this step as third; the actual carrying out of the experiment according to the method. The experiment is always repeated to ensure accuracy of results.
- Analysing results, forming a discussion and deducing a conclusion: This step is to examine & study the results, forming a discussion consisting of evaluating validity, reliability, limitations/ errors, successes and improvements. Last of all, after the experimenter has finished analysing result and formed a discussion evaluating their experiment, the conclusion is formed. As the results come after the experiment is completed, the scientific method has placed this step last. After analysing results, the experimenter will be able to verify if the hypothesis is correct or not and answer the aim (conclusion). The discussion is necessary for evaluating the experiment, in order for the experimenter to know whether the results are accurate and what could be improved.