Chapter 1 Chemistry in

Our Lives
1.2
Scientific Method:
Thinking like a
Scientist

Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

1
Scientific Method

The scientific
method is the
process used by
scientists to explain
observations in
nature.

Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

2
Scientific Method

The scientific method involves

• Making Observations
• Writing a Hypothesis
• Doing Experiments
• Proposing a Theory

Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

3
Features of the Scientific
Method
Observations
• Facts obtained by observing and measuring
events in nature.
Hypothesis
• A statement that explains the observations.
Experiments
• Procedures that test the hypothesis.
Theory
• A model that describes how the observations
occur using experimental results.
4
Summary of the Scientific
Method

Copyright © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

5
 Everyday Scientific Thinking
Observation: The sound from a CD in a CD player skips.
Hypothesis 1: The CD player is faulty.
Experiment 1: When I replace the CD with another one,
the sound from this second CD is OK.
Hypothesis 2: The original CD has a defect.
Experiment 2: When I play the CD in another player, the
sound still skips.
Theory: My experimental results indicate the
original CD has a defect.

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Learning Check
The step of scientific method indicated in each is
1) observation 2) hypothesis
3) experiment 4) theory

A. A blender does not work when plugged in.

B. The blender motor is broken.
C. The plug has malfunctioned.
D. The blender does not work when plugged into
a different outlet.
E. The blender needs repair.
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Solution
The step of scientific method indicated in each is
1) observation 2) hypothesis
3) experiment 4) theory

A. (1) A blender does not work when plugged in.

B. (2) The blender motor is broken.
C. (2) The plug has malfunctioned.
D. (3) The blender does not work when plugged
into a different outlet.
E. (4) The blender needs repair.
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