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Key Elements of a Scientific Experiment

Experiments are at the heart of all scientific discovery. Scientists in any discipline can't simply say they feel something to be true and hope people believe them. They need to come up with a structured way of proving the likelihood that their idea is correct. This is done through experimentation.
  1. Idea and Hypothesis

    • Essentially, discovery starts when a scientist has a notion about a given scientific principle or fact. His hypothesis is what he expects is true and what he will attempt to verify through an experiment. The hypothesis states how he feels the experiment will prove his initial concept. Science requires exactitude, so hypotheses are written carefully to explain precisely what the scientist believes and how the experiment will go about demonstrating the accuracy or applicability of that belief.

    Variables and Controls

    • Most scientific experiments rely on a process that implements a series of variables into a controlled environment. Some variables stay the same throughout the experiment, while others change. In a dieting experiment, for example, participants in the "active" group might be given a vitamin supplement throughout the experiment, while their exercise programs are altered. A "control" group is used for comparison to those in the active group, who are under the influence of variables, and is not manipulated. This provides a sort of baseline against which to compare results.

    Observation and Documentation

    • Once the experiment is set up, the execution phase begins. The scientist observes everything that happens and makes detailed records. So a scientist measuring the movements of ants based on temperature would record the movements of the ants, the temperatures they were subjected to and any other factors that could influence the experiment. Academic scientific experiments are conducted with high attention to detail in the observation and documentation phase.

    Analysis and Conclusion

    • Once the experiment is completed, the data that was observed is analyzed. During this phase, a scientist compares the results to the expectations he had when beginning the experiment. A final report is written that ends with a statement that concludes whether the experiment supported or refuted the hypothesis, or if the experiment was inconclusive.


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