(FT) Scientific Method and Hypothesis Testing Lesson

Scientific Method and Hypothesis Testing

Scientists test hypotheses by conducting experiments. The purpose of an experiment is to determine whether observations of the real world agree with or conflict with the predictions derived from the hypothesis.

The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions. Understanding the steps to the scientific method will help you focus on the scientific question and work through your observations and data to answer the question as well as possible.

A hypothesis is a suggested solution for an unexplained occurrence that does not fit into current accepted scientific theory. The basic idea of a hypothesis is that there is no pre-determined outcome.  For a hypothesis to be termed a scientific hypothesis, it has to be something that can be supported or refuted through careful experimentation or observation. A hypothesis is usually written in the form of an if/then statement. The statement gives a possibility (if) and explains what may happen because of the possibility (then). For example: If garlic repels fleas, then a dog given garlic every day will not get fleas. The primary trait of a hypothesis is that something can be tested and that those tests can be replicated. It is often examined by multiple scientists to ensure the integrity and veracity of the experiment.

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