The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the systematic approach to acquiring reliable knowledge through structured inquiry. It turns raw observation into validated fact.
The Five Steps
- Observe a phenomenon and ask a question.
- Propose a hypothesis, which is a testable prediction.
- Design a controlled experiment.
- Collect and analyse data.
- Draw conclusions.
| Variable | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Variable you change | Applied voltage |
| Dependent | Variable you measure | Current in wire |
| Controlled | Variables held constant | Temperature |
Reproducibility: Results must be repeatable in the same lab and reproducible in different labs to be deemed reliable.
Hypotheses & Pitfalls
Null Hypothesis: Always assume no effect exists (). The goal of testing is to reject with statistical confidence, never to "prove" an absolute truth.
| Concept | Principle |
|---|---|
| Verification | Experiments fail to disprove; they never prove |
| Falsifiability | Must allow for a possible contradiction |
Key Insight: A good experiment doesn't prove a hypothesis; it fails to disprove it. One single contradicting observation can overturn a theory entirely.
Common Pitfall: An experiment that cannot fail is not an experiment. If no conceivable data can count against your hypothesis, your procedure tests nothing.