The scientific method Have you ever wondered why blood is red? Or why a volcano suddenly erupts? If you have, you are starting to think in a scientific way. Scientists aim to answer these types of questions. In the 4th centur y BC, Aristotle had already suggested some initial ideas on the methodology to follow in the study of science. The scientific method is a step-by-step set of processes that researchers follow to find answers to research questions. There are many ways of conducting research , so we cannot speak of one single method . However, generally there are six steps that we follow. Depending on the research to be carried out, any of the steps can be omitted , repeated or done in a dif ferent order. At the end of the research , the results must be published and made available to the rest of the scientific community so that knowledge can advance and be accessible to the largest number of people. In general , scientific articles are published in scientific journals, such as Science, Nature, etc. Obser ve Ask a question Make a hypothesis We become aware of a fact or a phenomenon by using our senses. Scientists often have great obser vation skills. Obser vation can be done directly or indirectly, using a microscope, for example. Scientists ask why, how, when , where, etc., about a particular phenomenon . They define the question to be answered . Then they collect and classify the data generated by this phenomenon . A general answer to the research question is proposed . This answer is called the hypothesis. It should be as simple as possible, with a clear statement that can be tested later. Experiment Analyse the results Define scientific laws Experiments are designed to enable us to prove or reject the hypothesis. Experiments are controlled obser vations that simulate the phenomenon . They generate data and results. The results are studied and conclusions are made. This allows us to accept or reject the hypothesis. If it is rejected , we modify it or form a new one. Then the previous steps are repeated . When the hypothesis is confirmed , the scientists can then establish scientific laws or theories. They can also make scientific models of the phenomenon studied . These laws can be written as a mathematical formula or as a statement. The science project 10
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