Figure 1.16: A healthy newborn being examined by a doctor. ( 23 )Lesson Summary
- The scientific method is an inquiry process used to investigate the physical world using
observable evidence and testing. - A hypothesis is a proposed explanation of an observation; it is used to test an idea.
- A theory is a well-established explanation of an observation. A hypothesis must be
written in a way that can be tested, is falsifiable (to be able to prove that something
is false), is measurable, and will help answer the original question.
Review Questions
- How is a hypothesis different from a theory?
- What does a hypothesis need to include?
- What does “falsifiable” mean?
- List the steps of the Scientific Method?
- What is basic research?
- What is applied research?
- What does a scientist do if their research results conflict with previous theories or
popular knowledge? - Is it OK for scientists to change their ideas?
Further Reading / Supplemental Links
- William Souder, A Plague of Frogs: The Horrifying True Story Hyperion Press, 2000.