Chemistry 101/Elements and Atoms: The Basics of Chemistry/The Scientific Method: Observing Nature
The Method and Definition of Observation
editDrawing Conclusions based on Observations
editConclusions Can be Revised
editConclusions 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
edit1.) 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