The Scientific Method 2181996 lots and lots of

The Scientific Method 2/18/1996 …lots and lots of math.

Goal n What is the scientific method? n What does the scientific method assume? n Does the scientific method work? n What is not a scientific argument. n Does astrology follow the scientific method?

The Scientific Method The scientific method is the only scientific way accepted to back up a theory or idea. This is the method on which all research projects should be based. The Scientific Method is used by researchers to support or disprove a theory.

The Scientific Method involves 5 steps: Observation Question Hypothesis Method Result

The Scientific Method Observation- You observe something in the material world, using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses. AH—Look at this!

The Scientific Method Question- You ask a question about what you observe. State the problem or question.

The Scientific Method Hypothesis- You predict what you think the answer to your question might be

The Scientific Method - You figure out a way to test whether hypothesis is correct. The outcome must be measureable. (quantifiable) Record analyze data.

The Scientific Method Result- You do the experiment using the method you came up with and record the results. You repeat the experiment to confirm your results by retesting. .

The Scientific Method State Conclusion- You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results.

The Scientific Method Test you knowledge by visiting the Scientific Scenarios and see if you can identify the steps of the scientific method.

The Scientific Method 1. Observe an event. 2. Develop a model (or hypothesis) which makes a 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. prediction. model Test the prediction. Observe the result. Revise the hypothesis. test Repeat as needed. A successful hypothesis becomes a Scientific Theory.

Medical Science Scientific Method High Cholesterol Observation Patient has high cholesterol Hypothesis (prediction) Certain chemicals may dissolve cholesterol deposits. Test Give 100 patients these chemicals, give 100 patients placebo. Same number lower their cholesterol as placebo patients. Try different combo of chemicals. Observe result Revise hypothesis? New test? Re-run medical test. Observe results.

Everyday Science Scientific Method Car Repair Observation Engine won’t turn over. Hypothesis (prediction) Predict battery is dead. Test Replace battery. Observe result Engine now turns over. Revise hypothesis? Not needed. New test? Not needed. Scientific Theory Cars won’t work without a fully charged battery.

Everyday Science Scientific Method Observation Making Spaghetti Sauce Spaghetti sauce should be red. Hypothesis (prediction) Try a tomato sauce. Test Heat pot of tomato sauce. Observe result Taste the sauce - bland. Revise hypothesis? Use tomato sauce and garlic! New test? Add garlic, taste - not so bland. Scientific Theory The Final Recipe.

Food Science n Throwing something together Hypothesis n Your grandmother’s time-tested recipe Scientific Theory.

Repeatability n A successful theory is repeatable. n By you. n By anyone. n Examples: n Cold Fusion (1989) n Ecstasy (Science, 2003)

Requirements n Objective reality n We all see the same world. n Constant Laws of Nature n What happens here, happens there. n What happened yesterday will happen tomorrow. n The Cosmos is knowable.

Does it work? n Scientific Method is a tool. n Does this tool work? n Life expectancy n Mortality rates n Are there better tools?

Theories n So: a theory is a highly successful hypothesis. n All hypotheses make predictions. n All theories can be tested. n Result: Any scientific theory is subject to change as our ability to make tests, or make observations of a test’s results, improves with time.

Non-scientific Theories n Make no predictions n Un-testable n Can’t be falsified

Non-scientific Theories n Car won’t work? Aliens drained the battery. n Spaghetti is bland? You were meant to eat bland food. n Car won’t work? Gods must be angry. n Spaghetti is bland? At the instant of tasting, tongue is transported to alternate dimension where all flavors are rendered nullified. Happens instantaneously.

Non-scientific Theories n The chain of events needed for life to arise is too complicated to have happened by chance, a divine intelligence must therefore have caused life to arise (Intelligent Design). n Face on Mars. Viking Orbiter (1976) Mars Global Surveyor (1998)

Falsification n A real Scientific Theory tells you what observations are necessary to falsify it. n Not so proponents of: n n Face on Mars Moon Hoax Some Natural Cures Astrologers

Astrology Tests n What test would falsify astrology?