Scientific experiment

Scientific Experiment

A Scientific Experiment (pronunciation: /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/) is a methodical procedure carried out with the goal of verifying, falsifying, or establishing the validity of a hypothesis. Experiments provide insight into cause-and-effect by demonstrating what outcome occurs when a particular factor is manipulated.

Etymology

The term "experiment" comes from the Latin experimentum, from experiri meaning "to try, test". The term "scientific" is derived from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge".

Procedure

Scientific experiments involve several steps that align with the scientific method. These steps include:

• Observation: The first step in any scientific experiment is observation. Scientists observe the world around them and ask questions about the things they observe.
• Hypothesis: A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for an observed phenomenon. It is a prediction that can be tested through experiments.
• Experiment: The experiment is the process of testing the validity of the hypothesis. It involves manipulating one variable and observing the effect on another variable.
• Analysis: After the experiment, the data collected is analyzed to determine whether the hypothesis is supported or refuted.
• Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the results of the experiment and indicates whether the hypothesis was supported or not.

Types of Scientific Experiments

There are several types of scientific experiments, including:

• Controlled Experiment: A controlled experiment is one in which all variables are kept constant except for one, the independent variable, which is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.
• Field Experiment: A field experiment is conducted in a natural environment, rather than in a laboratory setting.
• Natural Experiment: A natural experiment involves observations of the effects of real-world variations that are not controlled by the experimenter.
• Quasi-Experiment: A quasi-experiment is an empirical study used to estimate the causal impact of an intervention on its target population without random assignment.

Related Terms

• Control Group
• Experimental Group
• Variable
• Data
• Research

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