The Scientific Method: How Science Works
The scientific method is the systematic approach to understanding the natural world — the framework that distinguishes scientific knowledge from opinion and pseudoscience. Mastering scientific method vocabulary enables critical evaluation of scientific claims, experimental results, and health information.
Topics Covered
Observation and Hypothesis
Making observations, asking testable questions, forming falsifiable hypotheses.
Experimental Design
Independent and dependent variables, control groups, and fair tests.
Data Analysis
Qualitative vs. quantitative data, graphs, trend lines, and correlation vs. causation.
Scientific Practice
Reproducibility, peer review, scientific theories and laws, and the nature of science.