The document outlines the key steps of the scientific process, including forming a research question based on observations, conducting background research to inform a hypothesis, designing a procedure with an independent variable, dependent variable, control, and constants, collecting and displaying data in tables and graphs, drawing conclusions by citing data, and publishing findings. An example experimental scenario is provided to test the effects of different coffee ground concentrations as fertilizer on plant growth over time.
2. Research Question
• Observations about
the world around us
help to frame a
question.
– Example: How do
different amounts of
sunshine affect plant
growth?
3. Background Information
• Research about
similar experiments and
related concepts help
the scientist to develop
the hypothesis and
organize the procedure.
4. Hypothesis
• Hypothesis = a preliminary answer
to the research question . . . It is
based on observations and
background research. It must be
testable.
• The hypothesis is often stated:
“If. . .then. . . because..” form.
5. Procedure
• The procedure= a list of
specific steps to conduct the
experiment.
– Independent variable (IV) =
the one condition changed
by researcher
– Dependent variable (DV) =
the condition that changes as
a result of the independent
variable.
(condition being observed & measured)
6. Procedure continued….
•Control- The trial where the
IV is not changed.
•Constants- All of the other
conditions held constant during
the experiment.
•Trials – The number of times
the experiment is performed
•Sample Size – The number of
subjects tested or trials run
7. Data
• Data is often
displayed in table &
graph form. . . It may
be numerical or
behavioral data.
– Tables first
– Graphs second
0
50
100
1st
Qtr
3rd
Qtr
East
West
North
Body
position
Trial 1 Trial 2 Mean
Flat
Right
side
Left side
8. Data Tables
Data Table Title (IV/DV)
Independent
Variable
Dependent
Variable Trial 1
Dependent
Variable Trial 2
Dependent
Variable Trial 3
Calculated
Value
Level One
Level Two
Level Three
10. Publishing
–Information from the study
should be shared with
others using:
– scientific journals
– poster presentations
– web sites
11. Experimental Scenario
I would like to test the effects of varying coffee
ground concentrations (0%, 10%, 20%) as
fertilizer on the growth in height in cm of my
three Japanese Maple trees over six months.
• What would I want to keep constant?
• What is my independent variable?
• What is my dependent variable?
• What is my control?
• Are there Multiple Trials?
