Scientific Method

Archive SAT Subject Test Preparation
1

<p>Our teacher gave us this question on a Physics quiz:</p>

<p>Number the steps in the proper order, from 1 to 6.</p>

<p>Form a hypothesis to answer the problem
Experimentation
Gather information on the problem
Make observations and measurements
Define your problem
Analyze data and state conclusion</p>

<p>I looked online afterwards to find the answer, but nothing gave me the sequence using the words in his quiz.
My answer was:
3
5
2
4
1
6</p>

<p>He took off 2 points, marking the numbers I put for Experimentation and Make observations and measurements. I thought that normally you would Make observations and measurements before you experiment. Isn’t that right?</p>

2

<p>What would you be observing and measuring? If the experiment has not yet begun, all you have is a problem and your hypothesis.</p>

3

<p>Uhhh, the information you gathered…?</p>

4

<p>I’m pretty sure observations and measurements refer to the experiment itself. Otherwise, you’d be taking measurements on essentially background info, which isn’t meaningful.</p>

<p>Also, typically you state a hypothesis before experimentation and collecting data.</p>