Understanding the Seven Steps of the Scientific Method

What is the scientific method? A procedural method that has been characterized by natural sciences since the seventeenth century, including systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation, as well as the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.

'Criticism is the backbone of the scientific method'

The scientific method is a process of exploratory observation and experimentation. Certain scientific fields rely more on this method to answer questions because they are easier to test than other fields. The goal of this method is to discover causal relationships in various situations and applications.

The seven steps of the scientific method

Depending on the type of question asked, the type of applied science, and the laws that apply to that particular branch of science, you may need to modify the method and change or cancel one or more steps. Here are the seven steps of the scientific method:

1. Ask a question

The first step in the scientific method is to ask a question you want to answer. This question will include a key beginning, namely how, when, why, where, who or what. The questions you ask should also be measured and answered through experiments. Although behavioral results are also part of the scientific method, they can usually be measured by numerical results.

2. Take a Survey

After asking your question, the next step is to conduct a background check to obtain as much information as possible before beginning the experimental process. You can find information by searching online or by searching for information at your local library, depending on the question you are asking and the background you are looking for. By conducting a thorough investigation, you can also determine if any scientists have asked the same or similar questions before, conducted similar experiments, or shared their findings. 

3. Build your hypothesis

A hypothesis is a well-founded hypothesis that can answer your question, although it must be testable to become a scientific hypothesis. You must make predictions that can be measured through experimentation and research.

4. Test your hypothesis through experimentation.

After creating a hypothesis, you can proceed to the next step of the scientific method, which includes conducting experiments and testing your predictions of what will happen. Your experiment must be a fair test and another scientist can repeat it.

5. Observation

When you complete the experiment, evaluate your scientific process and make sure that all the test and measurement conditions remain the same. If you change any factor in the experiment, to be fair, keep all other factors the same. After completing the experiment, you can repeat it a few more times to ensure accurate results.

6. Analyze the results and draw conclusions.

Now that you have completed the scientific method experiment and analysis steps, you can analyze your experimental results and determine if they support your hypothesis. Coming to a conclusion means determining whether what you think will happen is actually happening. Otherwise, you can create a new hypothesis and run a new experiment from step 4 to test your new theory. If your hypothesis occurred during the experimental phase, the final step is to summarize your findings and show them to others.

7. Present the survey results

The method of presenting your findings depends on your scientific perspective and level. If you participate in a science fair project, you can communicate your findings in a written report, bulletin board, or event presentation. If you are a scientist by profession, you can present your findings in scientific journals or their supervisors.

Examples of steps using the scientific method Below are examples of seven steps using the scientific method:

1. Ask the question. Will the concert affect the behavior of certain pets (such as cats and dogs)?
2. Behavioral research. After wondering if animals respond to music, the scientist studied whether other scientists conducted animal experiments that included playing music and observing behavior.
3. State a hypothesis. Scientists hypothesized that if I played classical music, my dog u200bu200band cat would stay in the room with me. If I play rock music, my cat will leave the room.
4. Test hypotheses by conducting experiments. Scientific home audio system allows cats and dogs to live in the same room. Then they played classical music at low volumes. Both animals stayed in the room. The scientist changed the music to rock music of the same volume. Both animals stayed in the room.
5. Observe. During the experiment, the scientists determined that the type of music played would not affect the animal's response. The scientist adjusted his hypothesis, noting that the animals would respond to the volume of the music. In the observation step, the scientists conducted another experiment, first playing classical music at a low volume and then at a high volume. Animals stay in the room when the music is low and leave the room when the music is loud.
6. Analyze the results and draw conclusions. Scientists have determined through experiments that the behavior of animals is more affected by the volume of music than the type of music played.
7. Present the survey results. Scientists write reports and prepare oral reports to share their findings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the scientific method is a systematic process that is used by scientists to discover causal relationships in various situations and applications. The seven steps of the scientific method include asking a question, conducting background research, creating a hypothesis, conducting experiments, observing, analyzing the results, and presenting the findings. Through this method, scientists can develop and test hypotheses, draw conclusions, and share their findings with others. Criticism is a crucial component of the scientific method, as it helps to refine and improve scientific understanding over time. Overall, the scientific method remains a fundamental tool for advancing scientific knowledge and understanding.