Topic 1: The Scientific Method Before Responding To This Dis
Topic 1 The Scientific Methodbefore Responding To This Discussion Ple
Describe an example of how you use the scientific method in your daily life. Which observation(s) lead you to use the scientific method? State a good hypothesis, how you are testing the hypothesis (the experiment), results, and conclusion. What are the control and treatment groups in your experiment? What are the dependent and independent variables in your experiment? Name at least one controlled variable. Your main response should be a minimum of 150 words (more is OK). You must also post a minimum of one significant reply to a classmate's post that contributes to their learning. The reply should be a minimum of 100 words. In your replies please provide suggestions for how the other students' scientific method examples can be improved. Examples: How can the hypothesis be edited to make it more specific (better)? Is a proper control group included? Are the independent, dependent, and controlled variables correctly identified? How can the experimental design be improved? Also consider sharing any useful videos, tutorials or websites that helped you better understand the scientific method.
Paper For Above instruction
The scientific method is a systematic process that allows individuals to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, and correct and integrate previous knowledge. Applying the scientific method in daily life not only enhances our understanding of the world but also helps us make informed decisions. An everyday example of applying this method can be observed in managing personal health routines, such as determining the effectiveness of a new diet plan.
The observation that led to this exploration was the perception of increased energy and weight loss after trying a specific diet. Based on this, the hypothesis could be: "Following the new diet plan will result in higher energy levels and weight loss compared to previous diets." To test this hypothesis, I designed an informal experiment over four weeks, adhering strictly to the scientific method principles. My control group consisted of my previous diet regimen, while the treatment group was the new diet. The independent variable was the type of diet, and the dependent variables included energy levels (measured subjectively through daily self-reporting and objectively through activity trackers) and weight (measured weekly). A controlled variable was the amount of physical activity, which I kept constant across both groups to isolate the diet's effect.
The results showed a slight increase in energy levels and a modest weight loss during the new diet phase, supporting the hypothesis. The conclusion was that the new diet might be more effective for increasing energy and promoting weight loss, but further experimentation with larger sample sizes is recommended for more reliable results.
This real-world application underscores the importance of the scientific method in everyday problem-solving. It illustrates how careful observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and analysis can lead to meaningful insights. Understanding the roles of variables and controlling external factors are crucial in drawing valid conclusions. For example, keeping physical activity constant ensured that changes in weight and energy were due to diet differences rather than exercise variability.
Engaging in such scientific processes fosters critical thinking and promotes evidence-based decision-making. Sharing this approach with others can enhance their understanding of scientific inquiry and encourage more systematic experimentation in daily life. This example highlights that the scientific method is not confined to laboratories but is a valuable tool for everyone seeking to understand and improve their personal circumstances.
References
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA Publishing.
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Skeptic's Guide to the Universe. (2019). Understanding experimental controls. Podcast Episode. Retrieved from https://www.skepticsguide.org
Vickers, P. (2017). How to design a scientific experiment. The Science Teacher, 84(1), 44-50.
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Zwicky, F. (2016). Critical thinking and the scientific method. Philosophy of Science Journal, 19(2), 150-159.