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GST 105 Topic 2: The Scientific Method - Study Guide

GST 105 Topic 2: The Scientific Method - Study Guide

Introduction

Now that we understand what science is, let's explore how scientists actually do their work. The scientific method isn't just theory—it's the practical toolkit that researchers use every day to unlock nature's secrets.

Think of a detective solving a case. They don't just guess who the criminal is. Instead, they follow clues, gather evidence, test theories, and draw conclusions based on facts. Scientists work the same way, following a proven process that helps them discover reliable truths about our world.


GST 105 summary


What is the Scientific Method?

Definition: The scientific method is a systematic, logical approach that scientists use to investigate questions, discover new knowledge, and test existing ideas through careful observation and controlled experiments.

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This method acts like a quality control system for knowledge. It helps separate reliable facts from opinions, guesses, and wishful thinking. While scientists don't always follow these steps in perfect order (science can be messy!), this framework provides structure and reliability.

The 8-Step Process

Step 1: Make an Observation

Start by noticing something interesting or puzzling in the world around you.

Real Example: Sarah notices that her grandmother's tomato plants always produce bigger, juicier tomatoes than the ones at the grocery store, even though they're the same variety.

Step 2: Ask a Research Question

Transform your observation into a specific, testable question.

Example: "What makes homegrown tomatoes taste better than store-bought ones?"

Step 3: Form a Hypothesis

Create an educated guess that could answer your question. This should be testable and based on existing knowledge.

Example: "Homegrown tomatoes taste better because they're allowed to ripen naturally on the vine, while store-bought tomatoes are picked green and artificially ripened."


Also read: Fundamentals of Science


Step 4: Make a Prediction

State exactly what you expect to observe if your hypothesis is correct.

Example: "If I compare vine-ripened tomatoes to artificially ripened ones, the vine-ripened tomatoes will score higher in taste tests and contain more natural sugars."

Step 5: Design and Conduct Experiments

This is where the real work happens. You need to create controlled conditions that test your hypothesis fairly.

Key Components:

  • Independent Variable: What you're changing (ripening method)
  • Dependent Variable: What you're measuring (taste scores, sugar content)
  • Control Variables: Everything you keep the same (tomato variety, growing conditions, testing procedures)
  • Control Group: Artificially ripened tomatoes
  • Experimental Group: Vine-ripened tomatoes

Step 6: Collect and Analyze Data

Gather your results systematically and organize them so you can spot patterns.

Methods:

  • Create data tables
  • Make graphs and charts
  • Calculate averages and percentages
  • Look for trends and relationships

Step 7: Draw Conclusions

Decide whether your results support or contradict your hypothesis.

Important: If your hypothesis was wrong, that's still valuable! Science advances as much through disproving ideas as proving them.

Also read Science and Humanity

Step 8: Share Your Findings

Communicate your results so other scientists can review, replicate, or build upon your work.

Methods:

  • Scientific papers
  • Conference presentations
  • Lab reports
  • Peer review

Why the Scientific Method Matters

Reliability

Following this process makes research dependable and trustworthy. Other scientists can repeat your experiments and check your work.

Objectivity

The method helps reduce personal bias and wishful thinking. Data speaks louder than opinions.

Progress

Each study builds on previous knowledge, creating a growing foundation of understanding.

Problem-Solving

This systematic approach can be applied to solve practical problems in medicine, technology, environment, and daily life.

Detailed Example: Testing Plant Growth

Let's walk through a complete example that might appear on your exam:

Scenario: A student notices that plants in her dorm room near the window seem healthier than those on her desk.

Step 1 - Observation: Plants by the window look greener and grow faster.

Step 2 - Question: Does the amount of natural light affect plant health and growth rate?

Step 3 - Hypothesis: Plants receiving more natural light will grow faster and appear healthier than plants receiving less natural light.

Step 4 - Prediction: After 4 weeks, plants placed by the window will be taller and have more vibrant green leaves compared to plants kept away from the window.

Step 5 - Experiment Design:

  • Materials: 20 identical bean seedlings, measuring tape, camera
  • Setup: 10 plants by window (experimental group), 10 plants on desk away from window (control group)
  • Controls: Same water amount, same soil, same temperature, same plant species
  • Duration: 4 weeks
  • Measurements: Height (weekly), leaf color (photos), general health observations

Step 6 - Data Collection: Record plant heights in a table, take standardized photos weekly, note any observations about leaf color or plant vitality.

Step 7 - Analysis: Compare average heights between groups, analyze photos for color differences, look for patterns.

Step 8 - Conclusion: If window plants grew significantly taller and appeared healthier, the hypothesis is supported. If not, it's rejected or needs modification.

Common Limitations and Challenges

Resource Constraints

  • Experiments require time, money, and equipment
  • Some studies may take years or decades to complete

Human Factors

  • Observer bias can influence results
  • Measurement errors can occur
  • Cultural or personal beliefs might affect interpretation

Practical Limitations

  • Some phenomena can't be studied experimentally (historical events, certain ethical situations)
  • Variables may be impossible to control completely
  • Sample sizes might be too small for reliable conclusions

Replication Issues

  • Other scientists must be able to repeat experiments
  • Results should be consistent across different researchers and conditions

Key Terms for Exam Success

Hypothesis: A testable, educated guess that proposes an explanation for an observation

Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment

  • Independent: What the researcher changes/controls
  • Dependent: What the researcher measures
  • Control: Factors kept constant to ensure fair testing

Control Group: The standard for comparison that doesn't receive the experimental treatment

Replication: Repeating experiments to verify results

Peer Review: Process where other scientists evaluate research before publication

Empirical Evidence: Information gained through observation and experimentation

Exam Practice Questions

Question 1

Explain the difference between independent and dependent variables. Give an original example.

Answer: The independent variable is what the researcher deliberately changes or controls in an experiment. The dependent variable is what the researcher measures to see the effect of that change.

Example: Testing whether different types of music affect study performance. The independent variable is the type of music (classical, pop, silence). The dependent variable is the test scores of students.

Question 2

Why is replication crucial in scientific research?

Answer: Replication ensures that results are reliable and not due to chance, errors, or unique circumstances. When other scientists can repeat an experiment and get similar results, it increases confidence that the findings are valid and can be trusted.

Question 3

Describe two reasons why a hypothesis might be rejected after experimentation.

Answer:

  1. Contradictory Evidence: The experimental data clearly shows results opposite to what the hypothesis predicted.
  2. Insufficient Support: While the results don't completely contradict the hypothesis, they don't provide strong enough evidence to support it either.

Question 4

A researcher wants to test whether background noise affects concentration. Design a simple experiment including all key components.

Answer:

  • Observation: Students seem distracted in noisy study areas
  • Question: Does background noise level affect concentration ability?
  • Hypothesis: Higher noise levels will decrease concentration performance
  • Prediction: Students tested in quiet rooms will score higher on concentration tasks than those in noisy rooms
  • Experiment:
    • Participants: 40 students divided into two groups
    • Independent Variable: Noise level (quiet room vs. room with background noise)
    • Dependent Variable: Scores on concentration test (like finding specific letters in text)
    • Controls: Same test, same time of day, same lighting, same instructions
  • Analysis: Compare average test scores between quiet and noisy groups

Study Tips for Success

  1. Practice with Examples: Create your own scenarios and work through all 8 steps
  2. Identify Variables: In any research scenario, always identify what's being changed, measured, and controlled
  3. Understand the Logic: Each step leads logically to the next—make sure you see these connections
  4. Know the Vocabulary: Be comfortable using scientific terms correctly
  5. Think Critically: Consider limitations and alternative explanations for results

Remember: Science is about asking good questions and finding reliable ways to answer them. The scientific method gives us that reliable pathway to knowledge!


Reference:

National Open University of Nigeria. (n.d.). GST 105: History and philosophy of science [Course material]. National Open University of Nigeria. https://www.scribd.com/document/542218499/GST-105-HISTORY-AND-PHILOSOPHY-OF-SCIENCE


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