Origins |
The Scientific Method is a systematic approach to solving a problem or answering a question. One starts with a question, then constructs a hypothesis - a question you can test - that you believe may be the possible reason for your question. Next, you must test your hypothesis. This can be done by doing research, conducting experiments, etc. After all of the research and experiments, you must analyze the data and draw conclusions. Finally, you much decide if your results align with your hypothesis or not. If not, that simply means that your hypothesis is not a possible answer and you need to try something else. If so, then you need to communicate your results to your peers, typically in a peer-reviewed venue such as a publication, a talk, or a poster session.
Image source: Sonjia Leyva, own work, © 2020.
Easy, right?
Actually, it is. In fact, you do it every day without even realizing it. Don't believe me? I'll show you.
Look down at yourself. How did you decide what to wear today?
Other than it was clean and at the top of the pile of clothes!
You've already done step one: Ask a question (what to wear today?).
Let's look at the rest:
Background research: This is your personal experience with life here in So Cal. If it's summer, you know it's likely going to be hot, with little chance of rain.
Hypothesis: A t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops would work great for today!
Test with an experiment: Wear the t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops.
Everything working?: Are you too hot? Too cold? Didn't get enough ❤️s on Instagram or TikTok?
Analyze data; Conclusions?: Too hot? Maybe the jeans weren't the best choice. Too cold? Maybe a long-sleeved shirt would have been better?
Communicate results: For most people, this is simply talking (or complaining!) about their fashion choice.
Watch this video, The Scientific Methods: Crash Course History of Science #14. As you do, ask yourself: Does everyone use the Scientific Method in the same way?
People also tend to confuse the terms theory and law. Watch this video, What’s the difference between a scientific law and theory? As you do, ask yourself:
copyright Sonjia Leyva 2022 |
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