STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC METHOD

STEP 5. Collect, Organize and Analyze Data

In a scientific investigation, data collection is very important in order to help you conclude a
solution for the problem identified. Data collected serves as a support or evidence for the outcome of
the performed experiments. Data collection can be done qualitatively or quantitatively.
2 Types of Data
1. Qualitative Data
2. Quantitative Data
After collecting the data, these will undergo thorough analysis. There are many ways on how to
organize and analyze the data collected. They can be presented in a tabular form or through line graphs,
bar graphs and pie charts.

Here are some ways to help you analyze your experimental data:

1. Always review your collected data. You may ask yourself the following questions:
a. Have I gathered enough data?
b. Did I make any mistakes while collecting data?
c. Do I need to gather more data?
2. Always make sure to label your tables and graphs clearly. It is also wise to give a title for each
presented data.
3. Include units of measurement such as centimeters, volume, tablespoons, minutes, grams, inches, etc.
4. Place your independent variable on the x-axis of your graph and the dependent variable on the y-axis
5. Review your presented data more than once. Check for any missing value, misplaced information or
wrong computation.

STEP 6. Draw a conclusion

Drawing conclusions is an essential step in the scientific method because it contains the following:
a. contains a summary of the results of an experiment;
b. explains whether or not the results supported the original hypothesis;
c. discusses any errors that were made in following procedures or keeping variables constant;
d. makes recommendations on how to expand the experiment if it is going to be repeated; and
e. suggests ideas for future experiments.

STEP 7. Communicating Results

Communicating results is an important step because it:
a. allows the scientific community to review the information;
b. let the scientific community to use information for related studies;
c. permits the scientific community to use information for related studies.
 Scientists communicate their results in a number of ways, such as talk to small groups of
scientists or give talks at large scientific meetings; report results in peer – reviewed journal articles and
at conferences; write articles for scientific journals; and communicate results to journalists.