Lab 8 Student Experimental design
Learning outcomes
Describe the general steps of scientific method
Distinguish between a control group & experimental group in a scientific test
Design an experiment
Formulate a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis using the scientific method
Apply scientific method to test the validity of a hypothesis
Interpret information that is presented in a scientific graph.
Recognize the importance of statistical analysis to the study of science.
Science as a Process
When studying the natural world, scientists use a process called the scientific method.
Observations, along with previous data, are used to formulate a hypothesis. Inductive reasoning allows a scientist to combine facts into a hypothesis.
New observations and/or experiments are carried out in order to test the hypothesis. Through deductive reasoning, scientists can develop a prediction of what may occur as a result of the experiment. A good experimental design includes an experimental variable and a control group. Scientists may use models and model organisms in their experimental design.
The data from the experimental and observational results are analyzed, often using statistical methods. The results are often presented in tables or graphs for ease of interpretation.
A conclusion is made as to whether the results support the hypothesis or do not support the hypothesis.
The results may be submitted to a scientific publication for review by the scientific community.
Over time, multiple conclusions in a particular area may allow scientists to arrive at a theory (or principle or law), such as the cell theory or the theory of evolution. The theory of evolution is a unifying concept of biology.