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

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The Method and Definition of Observation[edit | edit source]

Drawing Conclusions based on Observations[edit | edit source]

Conclusions Can be Revised[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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