Prof. Eiden FALL 2024 - Principles of Bio Sci with Lab (Asynchronous): What is the Scientific Method?

 The Scientific Method

At the core of biology and other sciences lies a problem-solving approach called the scientific method. The scientific method has five basic steps plus one feedback step:

1. Make an observation.
2. Ask a question.
3. Form a hypothesis or testable explanation.
4. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis.
5. Test the prediction.
6. Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.

The scientific method is used in all sciences—including chemistry, physics, geology, and psychology. The scientists in these fields ask different questions and perform other tests. However, they use the same core approach to find logical answers supported by evidence.

“The Science of Biology: How the Scientific Method is Used to Test a Hypothesis.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy Library of Biology, 2023, https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/intro-to-biology/science-of-biology/a/the-science-of-biology. Accessed 27 Jan. 2023.

"Scientific Method." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Jan. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method. Accessed 27 Jan. 2023.