Scientific Method FInal

scientific method

a step-by-step process used by scientists to investigate questions, gather evidence, and draw conclusions based on experiments and observations

What are the steps of the scientific method?

make an observation, ask a question, propose a hypothesis, design an experiment, collect data, and draw a conclusion

hypothesis

predictions that can be tested (if-then model)

null hypothesis

provides a baseline that scientists can test against, helping them determine if their results are significant or due to chance. The scientist attempts to disprove, reject, or nullify (says there is no difference)

alternative hypothesis

The hypothesis that states there is a difference between two or more sets of data.

How many trials are needed per group?

3 trials

control group

used for comparison to the experimental group, help to validate statistical analysis and increase confidence in conclusions drawn from the experimental results

experimental group

receives the experimental treatment (IV) being tested on to observe its outcome

negative control

group not exposed to any treatment or exposed to a treatment known to have no effect, helps to ensure there is NO effect when there should be NO effect

positive control

group not exposed to the IV but is exposed to a treatment known to have an effect