Scientific Method in GOB Chemistry: Concepts, Steps, and Applications

Scientific Method in Chemistry

Introduction

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to answer questions, test ideas, and gain scientific knowledge. It is fundamental to all branches of science, including General, Organic, and Biological (GOB) Chemistry, and ensures that findings are reliable and reproducible.

Components of the Scientific Method

• Observation: The collection of information from a primary source by human or mechanical means.

  • Qualitative: Descriptive, e.g., patient looks flushed.

  • Quantitative: Measurable, e.g., body temperature over 38°C.

• Hypothesis: A proposed and testable explanation for an observation.

  • Answers the questions "what will happen?" and "why will it happen?"

  • Should be testable and broad, supported by a large body of evidence.

• Law: A testable phenomenon that the scientific community has found to be regularly true, but does not explain why it is true.

• Theory: A testable and broad hypothesis that has been supported by a large body of evidence. Theories can be falsified (proven incorrect) if new evidence arises.

Example:

Which component of the Scientific Method deals with the statement: "Gravity is the reason that an object that is initially held at rest at the corner comes back towards the ground"?

• a) Hypothesis

• b) Theory

• c) Observation

• d) Law

Steps of the Scientific Method

The scientific method consists of several steps that guide the process of scientific inquiry:

1. Observation: Noticing and describing a phenomenon.

2. Question: Asking why or how the phenomenon occurs.

3. Formulate Hypothesis & Make Prediction: Proposing a testable explanation and predicting outcomes.

4. Design & Conduct Experiment: Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.

5. Collect & Interpret Data: Gathering and analyzing results from the experiment.

6. Draw Conclusions: Deciding whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted by the data.

7. Peer Review & Publish: Sharing findings with the scientific community for validation.

Example:

A scientist observed a new phenomenon and wonders how it happens. Which of these steps comes next?

• a) Interpret data

• b) Design experiment

• c) Review

• d) Hypothesize

Practice Questions and Applications

Order of Steps in the Scientific Method

Which of the following shows the best order of steps of the scientific method?

• a) Observation → Data Analysis → Hypothesis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish → Experiment

• b) Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Peer Review & Publish → Analysis → Conclusion

• c) Observation → Hypothesis → Experiment → Data Analysis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish

• d) Experiment → Hypothesis → Observation → Data Analysis → Conclusion → Peer Review & Publish

Identifying Observations

Which of the following statements represents an observation?

• a) Repeated studies show that lowering sodium in one's diet will lead to a decrease in blood pressure.

• b) During an assessment in the doctor's office, the nurse records that the patient's resting pulse as 32 beats per minute.

• c) A doctor believes that an incision during surgery that is red and pulsating is infected.

• d) A patient believes they are allergic to povidone-iodine and an alternate antiseptic must be used before surgery.

Identifying Hypotheses

Which of the following statements represents a hypothesis?

• a) Drinking coffee at night keeps me awake.

• b) I will drink coffee early each morning before I start my day.

• c) If I drink coffee early in the morning, I will be able to sleep at night.

• d) I drink 2 cups of coffee a day to stay alert.

Key Terms and Definitions

• Observation: The act of noting and recording something with instruments or senses.

• Hypothesis: A tentative explanation that can be tested by further investigation.

• Law: A statement based on repeated experimental observations that describes some aspect of the world.

• Theory: A well-substantiated explanation acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed.

Comparison Table: Components of the Scientific Method

Component	Definition	Example
Observation	Noting and recording a phenomenon	Patient's temperature is 38°C
Hypothesis	Testable explanation for an observation	High temperature is due to infection
Law	Describes a consistent natural phenomenon	Law of Gravity
Theory	Broad explanation supported by evidence	Theory of Evolution

Formulas and Equations

• Scientific Hypothesis Example:

$\text{If caffeine intake increases, then alertness will increase.}$

• Quantitative Observation Example:

$\text{Body Temperature} = 38^\circ \text{C}$

Additional info: The notes and questions are foundational for understanding how scientific inquiry is applied in GOB Chemistry, especially in laboratory and clinical settings.