IA-2A-Scientific Method (DONE)

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Lourdes College
Higher Education Department
Investigative Analysis #2
(Scientific Method)
Name: Agcopra, Pearl Marie Sabaiton Date: June 12,

2020
Introduction
Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or
correcting and integrating previous knowledge. For Newton (1999), to be termed scientific, a method of inquiring
must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of
reasoning.
A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the
formulation and testing of data through hypothesis. Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another,
identifiable features distinguish scientific inquiry from other methodologies of knowledge.
Scientific researchers propose hypotheses as explanations of phenomena, and design experimental studies to
test these hypotheses. These steps must be repeatable in order to dependably predict any future results. Theories that
encompass wider domains of inquiry may bring many hypotheses together in a coherent structure.
Scientific research usually proceeds in certain orderly steps. These steps have developed over many years and
have been found to produce accurate results.
So, the steps of scientific method can be thought of as a logical, orderly way to solve a problem or answer a
question. There is no one scientific method.
The following are the steps followed in a scientific method. Its main features are the same in all areas of
science.
1. Define the Problem

You can solve a problem unless you discover that one exists. The scientific method begins when you ask a
question about particular phenomenon or set of facts you need to observe.
2. Collect Information on the Problem

The subject may be about which little is known, or it may be a well-understood one. In either case, by asking
a question, the scientist consciously defines a specific problem for investigation. He follows this question usually
by a thorough search for information about the topic. Most of the information is derived from the data of
experiments performed by other scientists and reported in scientific journal. By becoming familiar with existing
knowledge, the scientist can avoid duplicating work already done and can plan the best approach to the problem.
Scientist must build on the work of other scientists; otherwise science could not advance beyond what one
person could learn in a lifetime. Before beginning an experiment, the scientist studies all available information
that has to do with the problem. Often a scientist discovers that someone has already answered many of the
questions involved. For this reason, a library of scientific papers, journals, and books is an important part of a
research center. Our textbook and laboratory guide, along with other readings, will serve us in the same way as we
study biology.
3. Form a Hypothesis
After collecting information and making observations, we form a working explanation or trial answer to the
problem. This explanation is called hypothesis. However, no matter how reasonable the hypothesis may seem, it
cannot be accepted until it is tested many times. We must be open-minded enough to change a hypothesis if the
results of the experiments do not support it.
4. Experiment to Test the Hypothesis

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To test a hypothesis, we must design an experiment that focuses directly on the problem being investigated.
The hypothesis must be clearly stated at the beginning of the experiment. The results of the experiment may or
may not support the hypothesis.
All experiments have variables. A variable is a factor that can change in an experiment. Temperature, length
of time, size, and chemical composition are possible variables with which we may be familiar. Scientific
experiments are frequently designed so that only one variable is tested in each experiment. The variable being
tested is called the experimental variable.
Strauss and Lisowski (1955) stressed that most scientific experiments are designed to consider only one
experimental variable. To add certainty to the cause-and-effect relationship between the experimental variable and
the observed results, all other variables must be controlled. In a controlled setup, all factors remain the same
during the experiment, except for the change in the experimental variable.
Lewis Pasteur, a French chemist in 1960, performed an experiment that helped to support biogenesis.
Although other scientists had disproved spontaneous generation, the scientific steps he used finally convinced
most of the remaining skeptics. The experiment still serves as best example of scientific experimentation.
5. Observe and Record Data from the Experiment

Everything about our experiment should be recorded accurately. How did we plan and set up our experiment?
Under what conditions had we carried it out? What happened during our experiment? Finally, what were the
results? Our record may include notes, drawings, tables, graphs, or other forms of information. These recorded
facts are the data. In modern research, data are processed by computers.
6. Draw Conclusions
Data have value only when valid conclusions are drawn from them. Such conclusions must be based entirely
on facts observed in the experiment. If other experiments continue to support the hypothesis it may come to be
called theory.
A hypothesis that is supported by many experiments done over a period of time is called theory. Like
hypothesis, theories can be confused with facts; theories are not facts. They are probable explanation for events
that are supported by a wide range of evidence.
Surprisingly, we will learn that one of the main characteristics of science is uncertainty. Theories are
constantly challenged and refined as new discoveries are made.
7. Report Research Methods, Results, and Conclusions

For progress to occur in any field of science there must be transparency. The materials and procedures we
used in all our investigations, as well as all observations and results, must be revealed and reported in detail. If an
experiment cannot be repeated by other investigations, the results of the original investigation cannot be
considered valid.
Objectives
Students’ are expected to: (1) enumerate the steps in the scientific method, (2) recognize a problem and
formulate hypotheses, (3) design an experiment given a particular problem, and (4) make generalizations and
conclusions based on a set of data.
Questions
1. Why must a scientist make accurate observations?
A scientist must make accurate observations to help the scientist decide correctly and for the
success of the investigation.
2. What purposes do a hypothesis serve?

Hypothesis serve as a guide in the investigation process, as hypothesis helps you to find the
answer of your investigation. With hypothesis, it also helps the researcher to understand better the
matter of the investigation.
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3. What is an experiment? Why is it important to have a control group in performing an experiment?

Experiment is a set of procedures done to prove your research, and if it supports the hypothesis of
the research or not. It is important to have a control group during the experimentation for validity.
4. What are the variables involved in your experiment? How will you classify them as independent,
dependent, or constant?
Hypothesis : Sugar dissolves faster in heated water
Independent variable : water temperature
Dependent variable : amount of sugar dissolve
Constant : amount of water
5. How can your experimental design be improved? How are other aspects of the problem addressed in this
improvement?
Checking its validity by controlling the variable (changing the amount of water).
6. How will you differentiate the following terms?

a. Hypothesis vs theory
Hypothesis is an assumption, to be tested repeatedly to prove a research/investigation.
Theory is the explanation of the hypothesis. Proven already with substantial facts and verified.
b. Hypothesis vs law
Hypothesis is an assumption, to be tested repeatedly to prove a research/investigation.
Law is universally accepted and can never be wrong. If a law were to be proven false, any science
built on that law will also be wrong.
c. Observation vs explanation
Observation pertains to the used of the senses, things that are measured during the investigation.
Explanation is the interpretation based from the observations done in the investigation.
d. Experimental group vs control group

Experimental group are to test the variable of the experiment.
Control group are to test the validity of the experiment.
e. Independent variable vs dependent variable

Independent variable is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
Dependent variable the one being measured in the experiment.

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1

Name: Agcopra, Pearl Marie Sabaiton Date: June 12,

1. Define the Problem

2. Collect Information on the Problem

4. Experiment to Test the Hypothesis

5. Observe and Record Data from the Experiment

7. Report Research Methods, Results, and Conclusions

2. What purposes do a hypothesis serve?

3. What is an experiment? Why is it important to have a control group in performing an experiment?

6. How will you differentiate the following terms?

d. Experimental group vs control group

e. Independent variable vs dependent variable

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