Scientific Processes

At the core of any scientific method is a question that can be tested experimentally. Science is a multifaceted process based on observation and research, which leads to hypotheses, experiments, and solid conclusions.

First Steps of the Scientific Process

• Observations of the natural world lead to questions.

• Scientists develop hypotheses from their questions of the natural world.

A hypothesis is often based on an if-then statement. A hypothesis can be tested through experimentation. An experiment includes variables that are tested as well as variables that are kept constant. An if-then hypothesis identifies the variable of interest and what kinds of data to collect.

• A well designed experiment includes an experimental group and a control or baseline group.

Note: EVERY field of science relies on well-designed experiments.

• The control group is key to interpreting the results of an experiment.

It gives you something to compare your experiment to. That comparison then allows you to verify your hypothesis.

• Scientists need to be sure that the manipulation itself doesn’t affect the outcome of an experiment. Most of what we know in the world comes from the application of scientific methods.

Remember: If your experimental manipulation produces a different effect/outcome than what’s in the control group, the manipulation has made some sort of effect.

It is important to make sure that experimental conditions don’t artificially affect the results.

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