How to Perform a Particular Chemistry or Physics Experiment

-------------------------Jen

          

          Scientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of scientific method is, “principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.” In order to correspond with the spirit of science, this approach must be based on the collection of observable experience, measurable evidence, and in line with the principle of clear reasoning. There are three steps to use scientific method in a chemistry or physics experiment such as hypothesis, experiment, and confirmation.

          The first step is to make a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a conjecture, based on the knowledge obtained while formulating the question. It may be an explanation through observed the behavior of our world. We must use sense organs to observe and pay attention to the change in natural phenomena, and recorded it. Interpreting or explaining the facts that obtained from observation. It may come out some predictions based on the hypothesis.

          The second step is to perform an experiment. The purpose of an experiment is to determine whether the observation of the behavior from real world agree with or conflict with the predictions which were derived from a hypothesis. After establishing a hypothesis, we can look for related information from the paper and design manners and steps of the experiment. Trying to collect empirical data through observation and experiment in order to test the hypothesis based on facts is true or false.

          After making a hypothesis and performing an experiment, the final step is to confirm the conclusion. The data we collect at the beginning usually has no system, and we can’t use it to verify the predictions. We have to analyze the data in order to determine what is better to explain the predictions. It is necessary to repeat the experiment many times and analyze statistically to avoid errors or misunderstandings during experiment. If the evidence reveals the hypothesis is false, a new hypothesis is required. If the experiment supports the hypothesis, but the evidence is not strong enough for high confidence, other predictions from the hypothesis must be tested. Once the hypothesis is strongly supported by evidence, it means that the hypothesis might be true.
          In conclusion, a hypothesis must pass through many strict proofs by the scientific method. Only when the theoretical results correspond with experimental data, the hypothesis can be widely accepted by academia. In order to reduce the chance of deviation results, scientific research is usually objective. The most important thing is to confirm the repeatability of the experiments to increase the credibility.