Page 356 - ABCTE Study Guide_Neat

Scientific Investigation Skills!

Lesson Objective

Now, we’ll turn our attention to the basics of the scientific method. We’ll review ideas about observation,
replication of results, and other cornerstones of the scientist’s trade.

Previously Covered

In the last section, we looked at the basics of motion and energy—from the definition of speed to the ideas
of convection, conduction, and radiation.

Scientific Method

Many people define science as any area of learning that applies the scientific method to gain new
knowledge. Even without that particular definition of science, the scientific method remains a very
powerful tool for learning about the world and universe around us. One reason this method is so powerful
is its self-correcting nature.

A key feature of the scientific method is the requirement that all models, hypotheses, and theories must
be subject to rigorous testing and the possibility of falsification.

When rigorously applied, these tests weed out wrong ideas. The scientific method can be applied in daily
life in areas that we do not normally consider as science. For example, you may hear your car making a
funny noise. To diagnose the problem, you, or your mechanic, will first listen to the sound when it occurs.
This step corresponds to the first step of the scientific method, which is to observe. When you say it
sounds like the thingamabob is going bad, you are essentially formulating a hypothesis. You test the
hypothesis when you replace the thingamabob. If the car stops making the sound, the hypothesis
passed the test; it was correct. If the car still makes the funny sound, the hypothesis failed the test; it was
wrong. You must then formulate a new hypothesis and test it.

The Anatomy of the Scientific Method

As a refresher, remember that the scientific method can be illustrated by a flow chart.