The scientific method is not invented by only one person. It results from centuries of discussions and debates on how best to know how the world works. The scientific method is used in chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, geology and psychology. All scientists in these fields ask different questions and perform various experiments. However, they can use the same core approach to find logical answers supported by evidence. All scientific methods aim to analyse the observation made at the beginning. The scientific method has four main steps,
- Observation and formulation of a question
- Data collection and hypothesis
- Testing the hypothesis
- Analysis and conclusion
Read More – Scientific Methods
Important Questions with Answers
1. Do scientists use the scientific method?
Yes, but not exactly as stated in theory. Scientists use the scientific method’s basic principles, which include observations, experimentation and data analysis, to support or reject explanations and theories. They apply the scientific method, but not always strictly, as it is laid out in the form of organised steps taught in class. Because scientists work in less-than-ideal conditions, they can modify the scientific method by skipping some steps, repeating others, or switching back and forth between them.
2. State and explain different types of hypotheses.
There are six main types of hypotheses, and they are:
a. Simple – Simple hypothesis shows a relationship between one dependent variable and a single independent variable.
b. Complex – It shows the relationship between two or more dependent and independent variables.
c. Directional – Directional hypothesis shows how a researcher is intellectual and committed to a particular outcome.
d. Non-directional – Non-directional hypothesis is used when no theory is involved. It states that a relationship exists between two variables without predicting the exact nature that is the direction of the relationship.
e. Null – Null hypothesis provides a statement contrary to the hypothesis. It’s a negative statement with no relationship between independent and dependent variables. The symbol is denoted by “HO”.
f. Associative and Causal – If the change in one variable results in a difference in the other variable, their associative Hypothesis will occur. At the same time, the causal hypothesis proposes a cause-and-effect interaction between two or more variables.
3. Give some examples of a Hypothesis.
Some examples of Hypothesis based on their types are:
Simple Hypothesis – Consumption of sugary drinks every day leads to obesity.
Null Hypothesis – All lilies have the same number of petals.
Directional Hypothesis – If a person gets 7 hours of sleep, he will feel less fatigue than if he sleeps less.
4. Choose the wrong option.
Functions performed by the hypothesis are:
a. Hypothesis helps in directing the inquiries in the right direction
b. Hypothesis does not help in verifying the observations
c. It helps in making an observation and experiments possible
d. It becomes the starting point for the investigation
Answer: b. Hypothesis does not help in verifying the observations
Explanation: Hypothesis helps in verifying the observations.
5. A hypothesis cannot be proved or disproved by doing one experiment.
-
a. True
b. False
Answer: a. True
6. What are the steps of the scientific method?
The scientific method has four main steps,
- Observation and formulation of a question
- Data collection and hypothesis
- Testing the hypothesis
- Analysis and conclusion
7. Can the scientific method answer all questions?
No, the scientific method has certain limitations. The scientific method can only answer objective questions based on quantitative facts from observable, measurable and repeatable experiments. And it cannot answer subjective questions based on qualitative beliefs or opinions, such as the presence of deities and ghosts or who makes the best doughnut.
8. Why is the scientific method important?
The scientific method provides an objective, standardised approach to conducting experiments and, in doing so, improves their results. By using a standardised method in their investigations, scientists could feel confident that they will stick to the facts and limit the influence of personal, preconceived notions.
9. How can the scientific method be improved?
The scientific methods can increase the validity of an experiment by controlling more variables, enhancing measurement methods, increasing randomisation to reduce sample bias, blinding the investigation, and adding control or placebo groups.
10. What is the aim of scientific methods?
The aim of all scientific methods is the same, that is, to analyse the observation made at the beginning.
Practice Questions
- When does a Hypothesis get accepted as a theory?
- Give some examples of the scientific method.
- Give an example of the scientific method which is used in our daily life.
- Who invented the scientific method?
- What are the limitations of the scientific method?
|
Related Links |
|---|
Stay tuned to BYJU’S for more exciting questions with solutions. Register for “BYJU’S – The Learning App” as well as for a wide variety of interactive, engaging Physics-related videos.
