Methods of Scientific Study - JSS1 Basic science Lesson Note
- Observation: Scientists carefully observe natural phenomena to gather data and identify patterns or trends.
- Hypothesis Formation: Based on observations, scientists propose explanations or hypotheses to explain how or why certain phenomena occur.
- Experimentation: Scientists design experiments to test their hypotheses under controlled conditions, manipulating variables to observe their effects.
- Data Collection: During experiments, scientists collect data to analyze and draw conclusions. This often involves using instruments to measure and record observations.
- Analysis: Scientists analyze the collected data using statistical methods and other tools to determine whether the results support or refute the hypothesis.
- Conclusion: Based on the analysis, scientists draw conclusions about the validity of the hypothesis and its implications for understanding the natural world.
- Peer Review: The findings are often shared with the scientific community through publications, allowing other scientists to review, replicate, and critique the research.
- Revision and Further Study: Scientific knowledge is dynamic, and new discoveries or advancements may lead to revisions of existing theories or the formulation of new ones, perpetuating the cycle of scientific inquiry.