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In order to interpret conclusions in science, scientists use a set of rules to solve problems in a logical and orderly fashion. This method is known as scientific method. Scientific method can also be applied to solve day to day problems in a systematic way too.
Main steps in scientific method
1. Systemic observation
observations can be taken directly using our sensory organs or indirectly with the use of instruments such as microscopes.
2. Identification of problem
Based on the observations the problem can be identified. Problem should be well defined and must have a narrow range
3. formulating Hypothesis
The possible solutions for the problem is guessed and predicted as the next step
4. Testing hypothesis by experiments
Suitable experiments has to be carried out to test the hypothesis built in the previous step. Scientific experiments must be well planed and recorded . It s also important to plan control experiments to compare the factor that is being tested.
5. Testing predictions by further experiments
Experiments has to be repeated to arrive in a conclusion. This step is a part of the previous step.
6. Confirming hypothesis supported by evidence/ observations
Based on the results of the experiments the formulated hypothesis can be either confirmed or rejected.7. Formulating a theory
If the hypothesis is confirmed to be true under the testing conditions for many times a theory can be formulated. However the theories can be modified base on new information. If the theory is proven to be true constantly a law can be formulated. usually laws are not modified
a simple example is given below
e.g:1.Some plants in the home garden was found to be wilted.
2. Why the plants got wilted?
3. hypothesis 1. May be the plants were not watered
hypothesis 2: Fertilizer applied to the plant has caused wilting
4. test 1: water half of the plants with enough water, control experiment is not watering the other half of the plants
test 2: Add the new fertilizer in to another set of plants which are not wilted, control is not adding the fertilizer to a another set of plants which are not wilted. make sure to water the bothe sets of plants since all the other factors has to be kept constant.
6. test 1: observation 1: there was no significant different between the plants which were watered and plants which were not
test 2: observation: Plants which were applied with the new fertilizer was wilted.
7. Based on the observations we can conclude that the new fertilizer has caused the wilting of the plants. Since this a a simple day to day situation theories and laws are not formulated.
Theories such as cell theory and relativity theory have been formulated this way. laws such as Newton's first law are laws.
