1.

12 SCIENTIFIC METHOD
WHAT IS SCIENTIFIC METHOD?
o The scientific method is the process used by scientists to acquire new
knowledge and improve our understanding of the universe.
o It involves making observations on the phenomenon being studied,
suggesting explanations for the observations, and testing these possible
explanations, also called hypotheses, by making new observations.
o A hypothesis is a scientist's proposed explanation of a phenomenon which
still must be tested.
WHAT IS INDUCTIVE RESONING?
o The process of drawing general conclusions based on many clues, or pieces
of evidence. Many crimes are solved using inductive reasoning. It is also the
hallmark of science and the basis of the scientific method.
WHAT IS DEDUCTIVE RESONING?
o Deductive reasoning takes a general principle and then draws a specific
conclusion from the general concept.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF SCIETIFIC METHOD?
o Observation
o Research
o Hypothesis
 (If….then…specific)
o Experiment
 (Qualitative data: descriptions) (Qualitative data: numbers)
 Variables (independent variable: the thing you change) (dependent
variable: the thing you measure)
 Experimental group: has one independent variable altered.
 Control group: all other groups are compared to this (normal)
o Conclusion
o Share Results
SUMMARY
 The early Greek philosophers spend their time talking about nature but did little or no
actual exploration or investigation.
 inductive reasoning – developing a general conclusion from a collection of
observations.
 deductive reasoning – making a specific statement based on a general principle.
 scientific method – a process of observation, developing a hypothesis, and testing
that hypothesis.
REVIEW
1. What was the basic shortcoming of the Greek philosophers’ approach to studying the
material world?
 The basis shortcoming of the Greek philosophers’ approach to studying the
material world was discussion and debate. They constantly debated about
nature without carrying out concrete studies and investigation.
2. How did Aristotle improve the approach?
 He recorded many observations on the weather, on plant and animal life and
behavior, on physical motions, and a number of other topics. He made
systematic observations of nature and tried to understand what he was
seeing.
3. Define “inductive reasoning” and give an example.
 Getting a collection of specific examples and drawing a general conclusion
from them. For example, I draw a general conclusion from these
observations: the addition of sodium to water results in a violent reaction.
4. Define “deductive reasoning” and give an example.
 Deductive reasoning takes a general principle and then draws a specific
conclusion from the general concept. For example, one general principle is
that acids turn blue litmus paper red. If I have a bottle of liquid labeled “acid,” I
expect the litmus paper to turn red when I immerse it in the liquid.
5. What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?
 A hypothesis is a scientist's proposed explanation of a phenomenon which
still must be tested. When a hypothesis is confirmed repeatedly, it eventually
 becomes a theory – a general principle that is offered to explain natural
phenomena.
6. What is the difference between a theory and a law?
 A theory is a general principle that is offered to explain natural phenomena. A
law, on the other hand, is a statement that is always true, but does not explain
why.