You probably don’t know what the 7 steps of the scientific method are and you need to do an academic project or thesis about them. In this article, EssayAssistant is going to explain what they are, what their relevance is, and what the 7 steps of the scientific method are in detail. Read on to learn a little more!
What is the Scientific Method?
We can tell you that the scientific method is how you will approach reality. This is thanks to the research you do on a certain topic. This may consist of processes that are different from your beliefs. With the advance in technology, the method has been perfected. But always keep this in mind: the method is based on previous evidence and rigorous studies.
In short: it is a technique that will help you gain knowledge for the field of science in which you are perfecting yourself.
Characteristics of the Scientific Method
Here are the main characteristics of the scientific method:
- Objective: you are going to substantiate facts, not subjectivities.
- Systematic: when you do it, you have to follow a certain order.
- Circular process: you start with facts and observations, from there you get your first doubts and problems. From there, you raise hypotheses to design experiments and make new observations.
- Correctable: you will correct the errors based on the results.
- Verifiable: you can submit it to independent and external examinations.
- Flexible: it is neither infallible nor rigid, it can be modified and improved.
Once you can identify its characteristics, you have to understand in which type of projects it should be applied.
Application of the Scientific Method
You will apply the scientific method to all projects that have a scientific research base. Theses would be the best example for you to understand. Since in them you are going to establish very deep and complex research processes. Their use is especially appreciated in the fields of medicine, psychology, chemistry, physics, and geology.
The 7 steps of the Scientific Method
The steps of the scientific method, in themselves, are activities that you will carry out when you approach scientific research. This is like your guide so you can see how to go about acquiring scientific knowledge. Below, we will detail the 7 steps of the scientific method.
Observation
As a first step, observation consists of becoming aware of aspects of nature. This procedure is always immersed in every process of science. From the discovery of the natural phenomenon to the proposal of the solution and the observation of the result.
You understand everything you can feel as observation. Observation will always go beyond what you see with your eyes.
Recognition of the problem
This aspect is important because it consists of contrasting the facts and recognizing possible problems. Observation, in itself, will not be enough if you are not curious enough to solve the questions that arise.
Formulation of a hypothesis
At this point, you will formulate your hypothesis. In this section, you will try to solve the problem, or at least find an answer. Hypotheses will be made based on experiments, demonstrating which one is true or false. When you formulate your hypothesis, you will formulate an explanation or solution to the question or problem.
You can pose one or several hypotheses, the important thing is that you always try to explain what you are seeing.
Predictions
Predictions are the consequences you expect from the hypotheses. They will help you to:
- Anticipate new knowledge: when you objectively predict something, you are providing new information to corroborate.
- It contrasts the theory: you compare the predictions with your previous knowledge.
- It is a guide for action: the fact that you can foresee an event will help you to select the activities related to the research.
Thanks to the predictions you make about a hypothesis, you will be able to carry out more experiments and observations.
Experimentation
At this stage, you will conduct tests and trials under controlled conditions to confirm the validity of your hypothesis. In the case of a scientific experiment, you will choose chemical compounds, physical objects, or biological species to measure variables. Your results must be reproducible under the same conditions by other colleagues in the field.
Perform an analysis of the results
The data and results you obtain from your experiments must be analyzed for hypotheses and predictions. Your analysis will allow you to accept or refute the hypothesis, as well as to reformulate other models and search for new procedures.
Report your findings
Communicating your findings is the final aspect of the entire scientific process, and possibly the most exciting. You are going to announce and share to the world what you found and how you did it. You can present these results in a variety of ways:
- In written form: in scientific journal articles, press articles, congresses, informative posters, and theses.
- In audiovisual form: in conferences, symposia, and congresses.
Many times these communications can bring attention from the scientific community to which you are contributing the project. But what you have to care about is your personal satisfaction.
The importance of the 7 steps of the scientific method
Thanks to the correct use of the 7 steps of the scientific method, you will be able to ensure that your conclusions are confirmed and repeated by other researchers. If your hypothesis is successfully replicated by many colleagues and evidence is available, a Law or theory can be established.
