Chemistry is an experimental science. The idea of using experiments to understand nature seems like a natural pattern of thought. Thus, scientists have devised an approach in order to solve and explain different phenomena in the field of science.
Scientific Method is a logical approach to the solutions of problems, a dynamic or systematic process used to answer questions about the physical world.
STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC METHOD
1. Identification of the Problem
2. Collection of a Data/Information
3. Formulation of Hypothesis
4. Testing the Hypothesis/Experimentation
5. Generalization/Formulation of Theories
FOUR DISTINCT PHASES OF SCIENTIFIC METHOD
a. Observing- This is done once the problem has been identified. The scientist accumulates as much reliable data as possible about a phenomenon. There are mainly two types of observation;
i. Quantitative- refers to the amount of matter or measurements.
ii. Qualitative- refers to the nature or quality of matter.
b. Generalizing- After observing, the scientist looks for patterns, trends or relationships among the data gathered.
c. Theorizing- Here, the scientist attempts to develop a plausible explanation and construct a simple physical or mental model that relates the observed behavior to familiar and well understood phenomena.
d. Testing- Once a simple theory is developed, it is tested and retested to establish the validity. The scientist continually tests observational and experimental data and predictions by subjecting them to new experiments.
IMPORTANT TERMINOLOGIES TO KNOW
§ Hypothesis- any tentative or arbitrary guess or explanation to a certain phenomenon. It is a suggested explanation for an observed set of facts or correlation in data.
– Must be consistent with all known facts.
– Must make predictions about results of new experiments.
• If the predictions are inconsistent with the results of experiments, then the hypothesis is “falsified”
• If predictions are consistent with results of experiments, hypothesis has been “supported” or “confirmed but not “proved”.
§ Theory- is a plausible explanation of an observed phenomenon and principle in terms of a model with common properties or with considerable evidence or facts to support it.
o A hypothesis graduates to a theory when it has survived a great deal of experiment testing.
o Well-supported enough by results that it is beyond “reasonable doubt” as an explanation.
o Could be falsified by subsequent experiments.
§ Experiment- a sequence of observations carried out under controlled conditions
§ Scientific Law- is a concise verbal statement or mathematical equation that summarizes a broad variety of observations and experiences, that describes behavior of matter.
Note: Theories are never be proven to be absolutely correct. It may be discarded or modified as a result of developments or new experimentations. Scientific laws are considered general truths.
