The Scientific Research

PUSHING BACK THE FRONTIERS OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE

Dr. Prashant Mehta

SCIENCE?

SCIENCE

SCIENCE AS A TOOL

How do you know if your theory (idea, model, hypothesis) is right? - You can test it!

Science is a tool for telling you what works!

A scientific theory explain what is seen and predict what will happen in the future.

THEORIES - GUESSES - LAWS

• What does the word “Theory” mean to you?“A conjecture; guess” (Webster’s Dictionary)

• Does it mean the same to a scientist?“A model which has been born out by repeated tests and observation.”

• Is a Theory less than a Law?“Evolution is just a theory, it is not a fact.”

• Do Theories “grow up” to be Laws?“Einstein’s Theory of Relativity”

MAKE NO PREDICTIONS

UN-TESTABLE

CAN’T BE FALSIFIED

INQUIRY INQUIRY BASED BASED

LEARNINGLEARNING

To Experience

To Become Acquainted with Scientific Method

Through Planned Experimentation

(Learning by Doing: Observation,

Experimentation, and Research)

Thinking that helps in understanding Scientific

phenomenon and Concepts

Take a closer look at these steps and the scientific terminology

before we start a science based project

Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation

Scientist have to take the time to think logically when

they are investigating a question or problem.

Scientists break things down into many steps

that make sense

Scientists develop a question, gather information and form an hypothesis.

Predict a possible answer to the problem or question by FORMULATING HYPOTHESIS.

Make in depth OBSERVATIONS and RESEARCH on your topic of interest

The next step scientists take is to create and conduct an experiment to TEST

their hypothesis.

TRIALS refer to replicate groups

that are exposed to the same

conditions in an experiment.

EXPERIMENTDevelop and follow a procedure and the outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

A key to experiments is observing, gathering

information, collecting data, and DOCUMENTING it so it

is readable and makes sense to others or peer group.

Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting.Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Once a scientist completes an experiment, they often REPEAT it to see if they get the

same findings and results.

VERIFYING or checking of data and results obtained is very important to make sure everything was valid and

will repeat again and again.

Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.

Make a NEW recommendation for further study and possible improvements

Scientists share their experiments and findings with others.