Chemistry Unit 01: Scientific Method Notes

Unit 01: Scientific Method

The scientific method is a logical approach to solving problems by ...

• observing and collecting data

• formulating hypotheses

• testing hypotheses

• formulating theories that are supported by data

​

What is the Scientific Method?​

Step 1: Observing is the use of the senses to obtain information/data.

• data may be

  • qualitative (descriptive)

  • quantitative (numerical)

​

Observing and Collecting Data

A system is a specific portion of matter in a given region of space that has been selected for study during an experiment or observation.

​

What are we observing?

Step 2: Scientists make generalizations based on the data.

• Scientists use generalizations about the data to formulate a hypothesis, or testable statement.

  • Hypotheses are often “if-then” statements.

​

Formulating Hypotheses

Step 3: Testing a hypothesis requires experimentation that provides data to support or refute a hypothesis or theory.

• Controls are the experimental conditions that remain constant.

• Variables are any experimental conditions that change.

​

Testing Hypotheses

Step 4: A model in science is more than a physical object...

• it is often an explanation of how phenomena occur and how data or events are related.

  • visual, verbal, or mathematical

    • example: atomic model of matter

​

Theorizing

A theory is a broad generalization that explains a

body of facts or phenomena.

• example: atomic theory​

​

What is a theory?

Stages in the Scientific Method​