Scientific Method

Observe phenomenon

Ask questions
Develop hypotheses (statement)

Make predictive hypothesis (if/then)

Test the predictions (experiment) Analyze results (Figures, Tables) The results may support or falsify your predictions

Scientific Method
1. 2. The Problem Observation

Scientific Paper
Title (What did you do?)_________________ Introduction (Why the problem is important?)

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4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Question(s)
Hypothesis Prediction___________________________________________________ Testing of the prediction Results Analyze Results

Materials & Methods (How did you test it?)

Results
Discussion (What did you learn?)

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Conclusions___________________________ References____________________________

Your Heart Rate as a Fitness Guide

Observation: Association of overweight & obesity with heart disease. Question(s): Are overweight & obesity, determined by finding the body mass index (BMI), associated with high heart rate? Hypothesis: Overweight & obesity (BMI) are associated with high heart rate. Prediction: If high BMI is associated with high heart rate then an obese individual will have a high heart rate. A condition known to be associated with heart disease and other chronic diseases such as diabetes. Test Prediction: The materials and methods are: Steps/Platform 8 high or a stairway, clocking with a second hand the independent (X) and dependent (Y) variables. You measure the dependent variable (X), e.g., heart rate; while the independent variable, e.g., BMI, aerobic exercise, or smoking is control and/or manipulated. Results: Present summarized collected data in Graphs and/or Tables Discussion and Conclusion: Has the hypothesis been supported or falsified? References: in text citations only