The Scientific Method

Chapter 5

The Scientific MethodObjectives

Explain the role of reasoning skills in forming a hypothesis.

Identify variables in a food science experiment and explain how they may affect the results.

Demonstrate completing a data table and report form for a food science experiment.

Distinguish between a hypothesis and a scientific theory.

Suggest guidelines for doing a food science research project.

Vocabulary

Data

Deductive reasoning

Dependent variable

Experiment

Hypothesis

Independent variable

Inductive reasoning

Theory

variable

Forming a Hypothesis Hypotheses-testable predictions (an educated guess)

Steps: By stating and writing your hypothesis gives you a goal. Ask yourself, what am I trying to prove? What questions do I want to answer?

Experiment

Analyze data

Report results

Develop and Revise theory

Conduct Research

Reasoning SkillsInductive reasoning – drawing a general

conclusion from specific facts of experiences.Example-After driving in the snow you can use inductive reasoning to conclude that the roads are slippery when snow covered.

Deductive reasoning – You reach a conclusion about a specific case based on known facts and general principles.Example-Liquid expands when frozen, therefore any

liquid you put in the freezer will expand.

ExperimentationProvides a way to test a hypothesis

in order to verify or disprove it. Need to follow step by step instructionsRecord data to draw conclusions

Controlling VariablesVariables - Factors that can change in an

experiment.

By controlling all variables except one you can get more reliable results.Example – changing an ingredient in a recipe

Independent variable – a factor that you change, example the type of flour in the recipe

Dependent variable – a factor that changes as a result of the independent variable, example the taste, texture, cooking time

Analyzing DataData – information gathered during an

experiment.

Arranged in a clear and logical form.ChartsGraphsTables Explanations

You will be using the following format.

Lab Report FormNumber and Title of Experiment 5-1 Properties of Popping Corn

Performed by: Group leader Class Block 1

Partners: The rest of the group members Date February 5, 2014

__________________________________________________________________________

Purpose State the hypothesis or the experiment or the problem to be solved. You should be able to learn this from reading the experiment.

Procedure Read the experiment and write a brief summary. Describe the general routine of the experiment so that another student could read it and know roughly what you did. You don’t need to copy the procedure word for word.

Results

Observations: Include brief, descriptive statements of what you see happen. These should be made throughout the experiment, to note every development, that you observe. Record your observations honestly, even if they don’t agree with what the instructions say should occur. Careful observation makes it easier to complete your report.

Data: Include the information you gather during the experiment, arranged efficiently in a table or chart. Each experiment will suggest a format for a sample data table . Label the columns of the table and the individual number values properly.

Calculations: Provide the solutions to any mathematical questions asked in the instructions.

Analyzing Results: Write the answers to the questions included at the end of each experiment.

Conclusions Your conclusion is an interpretation of the results. It may also be the final figure of any calculations done during the experiment