Pure science involves the search for new knowledge while applied science (technology) puts the findings of pure science to practical use.
Steps in Scientific method:
- Defining the problem
Ø The scientist could find information in books and scientific journals, use computer to search for scientific information published each year.
- Formulating a hypothesis
Ø A hypothesis is a proposed answer to the question which can be based on the information available to the scientist.
Ø It can be an educated guess or a statement that can be tested.
- Testing the hypothesis
Ø A hypothesis can be tested in an experiment.
Ø A variable is the factor tested or investigated in an experiment.
Ø An independent variable is the condition that is varied. It is the factor that causes changes in the result.
Ø Dependent variable is the condition that respond to the changes in the independent variable.
Ø There are two identical groups of subjects in an experiment.
a.) experimental group – exposed to the changes in the independent variable.
b.) Control group – not exposed to the changes in the independent variable.
Ø Controlled experiment is an experiment that uses both control and experimental group.
- Making and recording observations
Ø In order for an experiment to be reproduced by other researchers, a scientist must keep records which states how an experiment was planned, what equipment was used and how long it took.
Ø Information about the experiment must include all observations made together with tables, graphs, diagram, drawings and photographs.
- Drawing conclusions
Ø Conclusion is considered an answer to a scientific question.
Ø Data are scientific facts collected during the experiment.
Ø Statistics is a mathematical method of evaluating numerical data. This helps determine whether important differences exists between data obtained from experimental and control group.
Ø Before accepting conclusion, scientists retest their hypothesis several times.
Ø A scientific principle or law is a hypothesis that explains how an event occurs.
Ø A theory is a hypothesis that explains why events occur.
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