Steps in the scientific method

Question 1

Name the steps of the scientific method (7)

Oh How Effortlessly Connie Can Read Russian

Answer 1

1. Observation
2. Hypothesis
3. Experimentation
4. Collection and interpretation of data
5. Conclusion
6. Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge
7. Reporting and publishing results

Question 2

A mnemonic for the scientific method steps

Answer 2

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How
Effortlessly 
Connie
Can
Read 
Russian

Question 3

Step 1 of the scientific method: Observation

How are observations obtained?

Answer 3

Observations may be obtained directly by our senses or indirectly by the use of equipment such as microscopes and thermometers.

Question 4

Step 2 of the scientific method: Hypothesis

What should a hypothesis do?

Answer 4

A hypothesis should

a) account for all the facts that have been observed and
b) lead to the prediction of new information

Question 5

Step 3 of the scientific method: Experimentation

What should the results of the experiment do?

Answer 5

The results of the experiment(s) will either support or contradict the hypothesis.

Question 6

Step 4 of the scientific method: Collection and interpretation of data
What happens during this step?

Answer 6

The information that is obtained in the course of the experiment is collected, recorded and analysed.

Question 7

Step 5 of the scientific method: Conclusion

What happens during this step?

Answer 7

The data from an experiment is interpreted to reach a conclusion or result.

Question 8

Step 6 of the scientific method: Relating the conclusion to existing knowledge
Explain this step

Answer 8

The conclusion of an experiment should tie in with the existing knowledge of the topic being examined.

on the basis of the conclusion(s) reached, the hypothesis is:

1. Supported if the results agree fully.
2. Changed if the results agree only partly.
3. Rejected if the results contradict it.

Question 9

Step 7 of the scientific method: Reporting and publishing results
Why should results be published? (3)

Where are results often published?

Answer 9

The results of experiments should be written down and published so they can be examined and analysed by others.
New ideas spurt from this.
It adds to the growth of scientific understanding.

Results are often published in scientific journals and magazines or on the world wide web.

Question 10

What is a key concept of the scientific method?

Answer 10

That an experiment should be repeatable so results can become more valid and compared.

Question 11

Why are experiments published?

Answer 11

In order to allow them to be repeated.