It is called "scientific method”To the set of steps or techniques that are carried out to find updated information about topics related to any of the sciences; where, to be considered scientific, research must be based on experience, data measurement, and take into account logic.
The steps or stages of the scientific method can be varied and can even be differentiated depending on research and area of science in which it is carried out (some are much easier to verify than others). For that reason, together with the fact that we want to show the steps to follow for those interested in carrying out an investigation of this type, we have prepared this entry.
What are the steps of the scientific method?
The steps or stages of this method are: questions, observation, hypothesis statement, experimentation, analysis and conclusion. All of them used in order to evaluate a topic, propose a solution, experiment and draw conclusions; so now we will go on to detail each one of them for their correct use.
Ask the right question
To begin an investigation using the scientific method, it is necessary to ask a question about the topic of interest. To understand more easily, we will use some examples:
- Which glass has the largest water capacity?
- Why does wood float on water?
Observation and investigation
It is necessary to stop at make an observation and research that allows collecting as much data as possible to answer the question or questions that have been raised. These must be quality observations and investigations, so below we will explain some observation methods.
Scientific observation works to be able to explain why or any other question, with the help of data collected in different ways. This can be divided into three types, asystematic, semi-systematic and systematic observation. However, in the steps the systematics is usually used.
- The unsystematic refers to the one in which the observation is carried out without any prior planning or organization, that is, we only observe the problem and try to collect the data that may be of interest to us.
- The semi-systematic is characterized by the fact that the objectives of the observation must first be traced, so that it is much easier to know what is being sought with it. Although the problem is that the aspects that will be observed are not organized.
- Finally, there is systematic observation, which allows, with the help of a prior planning of the objective or the aspects to be evaluated, the collection of data in a more specific way. In addition, it is necessary to categorize all the factors of the observation (behaviors or behaviors, facts, events, phenomena in different areas, among others).
Statement of the hypothesis
This is one of the steps of the scientific method where an explanation (possible or not) must be found that answers the question asked, taking into account the data collected through observation or research. It is even possible to get several hypotheses, but none of them can be considered "true" until proven through experiments (next step).
When making the hypothesis, we recommend the following tips:
- Identify the problem.
- Identify what you know (effects) and what you don't (causes).
- Find a "guess" that answers what you know.
- Use the structure "If X then Y", where "X" is what you don't know and "Y" is what you know; so "causes" happen because of your assumption of "effects."
That is an easy and simple way to make a hypothesis in a few steps, but you can search for more techniques or information on the web (you can also leave us a comment).
Experimentation
The experiments are part of the stages of the scientific method since through it it is possible to check a hypothesis according to the variables. This means that the person conducting the research must manipulate the causative variables to observe the different effects that can occur in the dependent variables, in order to measure the effects on them.
In addition, the experimentation also aims to recreate the situation, where the necessary conditions and the elements that comprise the object of study must be met.
If the experiment can give validity to the hypothesis, then these may be correct according to the tests carried out (yes, it is possible that according to other tests they are wrong); Whereas if the experiment cannot test the hypothesis, then the hypothesis would no longer be sustainable, or at least would be questioned.
Analysis and conclusion
According to the experiment carried out, a series of data should have been collected to allow further analysis. In which all the data must be taken into account, regardless of whether or not these may affect the results according to what we thought would happen. The latter refers to the fact that if a piece of information does not agree with what we expected, we must also include it and analyze it to obtain reliable results in the investigation.
Finally, an interpretation of the data collected and analyzed must be made; in order to determine if the hypothesis is true or false. Where in the first case, it would be shown that by means of the experiment the hypothesis could be verified, which does not make it true at all; while the second case can end the experiment or be a beginning for the establishment of another hypothesis.
Those are the steps of the scientific method that you must carry out to carry out an investigation; which we hope you have been able to understand correctly. Other steps can be included, they are the publication of the results or doing an investigation that another scientist has already carried out (to check his hypothesis), but they would already be more than obvious steps, so it is not necessary to give details.
The information is very accurate and synthesized, only the last point is needed:
The conclusion