Scientific Method

There are various explanations and definitions of the steps of the scientific method. In essence this method is a process by which one provides evidence to support claims that their conclusions are based on science.

Observation. It all starts when someone initially observes an event or phenomenon which leads them to ask questions. At first you might have some conclusions about why or how the event occured. Example: You flip a light switch and the light doesn't turn on.

Question. However, to have a conclusion based on science, one should formulate simple questions about the event. Example: Is the power in the house out? Is the light bulb broken? Is the fuse for this circuit blown? Is there usually high sunspot activity today that is effecting the lighting in this room?

Hypothesis. Then you formulate a hypothesis based on previous scientific studies related to the event. Furthermore the hypothesis should be something that can be tested and measured. Example: If any other electrical device in the house is currently working then the power is not out in this house.

Prediction. You can shore up the hypothesis by predicting the results one should get when testing the hypothesis. Example: when I turn on various electrical devices throughout the house they will work because the house is receiving electrical power.

Test. Then you actually test the hypothesis. The testing methods should include multiple trials that include varying the conditions.  A subset of these trials should have no changes from the normal, which is labeled as the control. Example: One by one, turn on and off one electrical device in each room of the house.

Results. Objective measurements are then taken during the testing phase and analyzed. Example: In each room the electrical device that was turn on worked, except for any device in the original room where the light does not work.

Conclude. From this data one can then draw logical conclusions to see if the evidence supports their hypothesis or refutes it. Usually, conclusions include ideas on how to further this research project. After reporting you findings, you repeat them or make additional observations that tweak the hypothesis and test a different aspect to generate more data adding to your conclusions and the overall body of knowledge about the event. Example: I conclude that the house is receiving power and there found evidence to support my hypothesis, further investigations should test the light bulb, other electical devices or outlets in this particular room.  Also recommend investigating the fuse box.

The link below by the Baltimore County School system provides and excellent breakdown of each step with additional explanations.