Scientific Method and Research

12. Why are both natural AND controlled experiments necessary to increasing scientific understanding, and how do their roles in the scientific process differ?

|Learning Team Instructions |Begin working on the Trends and Consumerism in Health Care Presentation due in Week Five. | | |

The development of the scientific method in the late 1500’s to the early 1600’s was a crucial stepping-stone in the science community. The scientific method is based upon observations, hypotheses and experimentation. The concept is rather simple, and can be applied to many areas of study. Once an observation is made, the observer can make a hypothesis as to why that phenomenon occurs and can then design an experiment to prove whether or not that hypotheses is valid. Although the scientific method has been extremely useful in the discovery of various things from usages of medications to studying animal behavior, there are still those who question the usage of this tool. These critics claim that since

To support the theory of continental drift is through topography, surveying the floors of oceans, charts of rock magnetism, and statistics on rock ages (Trefil & Hazen, 2010). At one time scientist believed that the deep ocean floors were flat; accumulating the sediment that progressively wore away from the prehistoric landmasses (Trefil & Hazen, 2010). However, they discovered steep-walled valleys and elevated highlands. This was evidences that just as the continents are transformed and are active, so to is the seafloor (Trefil & Hazen, 2010). The Mid- Atlantic Ridge, positioned in the central part of the Atlantic Ocean, is recorded to be the longest mountain range on this planet. Volcanoes, lava flow, and earthquakes are a source of

d. Controlled experiment: an experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time

Part B: How might each of the following concepts affect the results of the study?

5) This is also a quasi-experiment because they selected the variables but they can’t really control the outcome of the experiment.

4. __B_ A small group is measured for the amount of anxiety they experience in math class (baseline). They are taught a relaxation method and measured again to measure

Dependent variables are ones that change due to the independent variable. Independent variables are variables that can be manipulated or measured. This influences the dependent variables.

Which of the following conclusions is most valid, given the results of experiment 1? 6-8.2

3.     What are the advantages and disadvantages of an experimental design in an educational study?

3. The independent variable of this specific article is the member texting during the lesson.

The Scientific Method is the standardized procedure that scientists are supposed to follow when conducting experiments, in order to try to construct a reliable, consistent, and non-arbitrary representation of our surroundings. To follow the Scientific Method is to stick very tightly to a order of experimentation. First, the scientist must observe the phenomenon of interest. Next, the scientist must propose a hypothesis, or idea in which the experiments will be based around. Then, through repeated experimentation, the hypothesis can either be proven false or become a theory. If the hypothesis is proven to be false, the scientist must reformulate his or her ideas and come up with another hypothesis, and the experimentation begins again. This

a. The study was designed as an experimental research by using independent and dependent variables.

b. Sample selection techniques and control of constant variables (e.g. Are samples randomly selected. What attempts are made to control variables).