Chemistry 101/Elements and Atoms: The Basics of Chemistry/The Scientific Method: Observing Nature

The Method and Definition of Observation

Drawing Conclusions based on Observations

Conclusions Can be Revised

Conclusions can, and should be revised. A conclusion can change based on new evidence and observations. However, an observation should never change based on new evidence or further observation. An observation, by definition, should only describe the physical phenomenon occurring in a particular situation. Again, an observation describes what is happening only as it is seen.

Process of the Scientific Method

1.) Ask a question
2.) Do background research
3.) Construct a hypothesis
4.) Conduct an experiment to test your hypothesis
5.) Analyze the data and draw a conclusion