Scientific Investigation
Scientific method is a set of techniques used by scientists to investigate a problem/answer question. Also called scientific procedure or scientific investigation or scientific methods
Steps of a Scientific Method
The following is the steps followed when carrying out a
scientific investigation
i)
Problem identification
ii)
Asking questions
iii)
Formulation a testable
hypothesis
iv)
Performing an experiment
v)
Data collection and
analysis
vi)
Data interpretation
vii)
Data presentation
viii) Draw a conclusion
Problem Identification
In this step the physicist makes a puzzling observation.
For Example, change in temperature cause wind
Asking Questions
In this step, the physicist asks a specific question
based on what he/she observed and wants to learn. For Example, how change in
temperatures cause wind?
Formulation a Testable Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an intelligent guess that tries to
explain an observation. The change in temperature causes wind
Performing an Experiment
An experiment is the test under controlled conditions.
The aim of experiment is to test whether hypothesis is true or false. It
Data Collection and Analysis
It Concern recording what you have observed during
experiment. Always kept in the table for Example,
|
Temperature (°C) |
Wind (m/s) |
|
10 |
200 |
|
20 |
400 |
|
30 |
600 |
|
40 |
800 |
Data Interpretation
In this step we look trend or patterns and explain why
they occur that way. For Example, from the table above when temperature
increase also winds speed increase therefore temperature is direct proportional
to wind speed.
Data Presentation
In this step it involves the uses of mathematics concept
to represent the data or results collected. Pie charts, graphs and formulae may
use.
Draw a Conclusion
In this step, it concerning about summary of the
experiment. It includes a statement that either proves or disproves the hypothesis.
For Example, in our experiment change in temperature cause wind
Application of Scientific Procedure
i) When carrying out
experiment: test is done in order to study what happens and gain new knowledge
ii) When carrying out project
work: project is a planned piece of work that involves careful study of a
subject/problem over a period of time, so as to find information on
subject/problem
iii) When carry out field study:
a field study involves doing practical work in order to find answer to problems
and to test hypothesis. A field study also called field work
Significance of the Scientific Procedure
i)
It helps us to solve
scientific problems
ii)
It helps us to gain new
knowledge
iii)
It helps us to conduct
project work
iv) It helps us to carry out field study
v) It helps us to solve problems or answer scientific questions
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