![]() ![]() This observation leads to a question that prompts the formation of an initial hypothesis, a (testable) possible answer to the question. Making Observations and Formulating HypothesesĪ hypothesis is preceded by an initial observation, during which information is gathered by the senses (e.g., vision, hearing) or using scientific tools and instruments. Instead, they gather evidence that either supports or refutes a given hypothesis. ![]() ![]() For this reason, scientists avoid claiming to ‘prove’ a specific idea. Science is mutable and continuously changes as we learn more about the world around us. ![]() Instead, it is a continuous refinement and testing of ideas based on new observations, which is the crux of scientific inquiry. Importantly, this illustrates that the scientific method is not a stepwise recipe. Based on the outcome of these experiments, the original explanation may need to be refined, and new hypotheses and questions can be generated. Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions. The scientific method is a detailed, empirical, problem-solving process leveraged by biologists and scientists of other disciplines. New questions are continually asked, thus repeating the cycle. After data are collected and analyzed, conclusions may be reached and the results are communicated to other scientists. The control group is exposed to the same features as the experimental group, except for the hypothesized manipulation, that is the cabbage patch without garlic versus the garlic exposure. In addition, the slugs must be divided into groups, experimental and control. The other, the dependent variable describes the measurement used to determine the outcome, such as the number of slugs on the cabbages. One, an independent variable is the item that is being tested, in this case, the addition of garlic. The experimental setup involves defining variables. In the next phase, experimentation, the ideas are tested through a series of experiments designed to eliminate hypotheses. In this case, the hypothesis is that garlic repels slugs, which yields the prediction that cabbage plants surrounded by a ring of garlic powder will suffer less damage by slugs than cabbage plants without the ring of garlic powder. Such observations lead to asking questions, could garlic be used to deter slugs from ruining a cabbage patch? After formulating questions, the scientist can then develop hypotheses, potential explanations for the observations that lead to specific testable predictions. For example, a scientist notices that slugs destroy some cabbages, but not those near garlic. During the first step, observations are made. The scientific method is a detailed, stepwise process for answering questions. ![]()
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