Scientific Method and Research Concepts

This video lecture, created by Sean Krupa and using material from Rebecca Bennett, is part of Ohio University's project funded by the NSF. It explains the scientific method, detailing steps like asking questions, conducting research, forming hypotheses, and performing experiments. The video includes interactive tests and a real-life example of sediment transport in the Hocking River. It concludes with a mnemonic to remember the scientific method steps.

Who created and narrated the video lecture on the scientific method?

• Sean Krupa

• National Science Foundation

• Ohio University

• Rebecca Bennett

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Asking a question

• Formulating a hypothesis

• Performing an experiment

• Conducting background research

Why is it important to conduct background research?

• To perform an experiment

• To ensure the question is interesting

• To find out if the question has already been answered

• To develop a hypothesis

What is a hypothesis?

• A proven fact

• An educated guess that can be tested

• A detailed experiment plan

• A conclusion based on data

What should you remember when performing an experiment?

• Change multiple variables at once

• Ensure results are not reproducible

• Only change one variable at a time

• Skip the hypothesis step

What is the purpose of analyzing data in the scientific method?

• To skip to the conclusion

• To determine if the hypothesis was correct

• To ask a new question

• To avoid recording results

Why is it important to record your results clearly?

• To skip the analysis step

• To ensure others can replicate the experiment

• To make the report as long as possible

• To avoid drawing conclusions

What was Rebecca Bennett's research question?

• What is the biodiversity in the Hocking River?

• How does temperature affect river flow?

• What is the water quality of the Hocking River?

• How is sediment being transported in the Hocking River?

What conclusion did Rebecca Bennett reach in her research?

• The river was competent in transporting all sediment

• The river's sediment transport was inconclusive

• The river had no sediment

• The river was not competent in transporting all sediment

What helpful phrase can be used to remember the scientific method?

• Hypothesize, experiment, conclude

• Queen Rachel hopes every coward gains courage

• Every scientist needs a hypothesis

• Research is the key to success