Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The scientific method is a systematic approach to research that involves making observations, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions. It ensures that findings are reliable and can be replicated.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The scientific method starts with observations that lead to questions.
A hypothesis is an educated guess that provides a potential answer to the question.
Experiments are designed to test the hypothesis under controlled conditions.
Data collected from experiments is analyzed to determine whether it supports or refutes the hypothesis.
Conclusions from experiments can lead to new hypotheses and further testing.
Review Questions
Related terms
Hypothesis: An educated guess or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
Experiment: A procedure carried out under controlled conditions to test a hypothesis and gather data.
Theory: $\text{A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is based on a body of evidence and has stood up to repeated testing.}$