Scientific Method Flashcards
Scientific method
The process of gaining knowledge about the universe through the observation of measurable evidence
Step 1
Make an observation
Identifying a problem
What do you have to know about it?
Step 2
Ask a question
Develop a theoretical solution to the problem
Gather background info or observation about the problem
Step 3
Form a hypothesis
Make an educated guess forr the answer of your question
Think about how it can be tested
Step 4
Make an experiment
Formulate and carry out the research plan
Should be falsifiable and quantifiable
Step 5
Draw conclusion
Gather data and interpret the results
Explain the context of your results
Step 6
Refine theory
Think about the new conclusion, and compare with hypothesis
You may return to Step 1 with the new information in mind
Researchability
The quality of being researchable
Can it be quantified and tested?
Theoretically important
Relevant material to research
Why should people care about this topic?
Originality
The uniqueness in comparison to previous studies
Have people asked this question before?
Relevance
Relation to current issues
Can this research help anything that actually needs solving now?
Feasibility
Able to be accomplished
Will you be able to research this with your current resources?
Narrowed down problem
The goal is clearly defined
Are you considering too many problems with one study?
Interrogative form
Question form
Do you have a question in mind with this research?
Ethical Consideration
The study can be conducted ethically
Am I going to hurt anyone or anything by conducting this study?
