Question

Figure 1.10 In the example below, the scientific method is used to solve an every day problem. Which part in the example below is the hypothesis? Which is the prediction? Based on the results of the experiment, is the hypothesis supported? If it is not supported, propose some alternative hypotheses. 1\. My toaster doesn't toast my bread. 2\. Why doesn't my toaster work? 3\. There is something wrong with the electrical outlet. 4\. If something is wrong with the outlet, my coffeemaker also won't work when plugged into it. 5\. I plug my coffeem aker into the outlet. 6\. My coffeemaker works.

Short answer

Answer: The initial hypothesis was that there is something wrong with the electrical outlet. The prediction made was that if the outlet is the issue, other appliances, like the coffeemaker, wouldn't work when plugged into the same outlet. After testing, the conclusion was that the hypothesis was not supported as the coffeemaker did work when plugged into the outlet.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Hypothesis

The hypothesis is an educated guess or proposed explanation for a phenomenon. In this exercise, the hypothesis can be found in statement 3: "There is something wrong with the electrical outlet." This is the proposed explanation for the toaster not working.

Identify the Prediction

The prediction is a statement that describes what is expected to happen based on the proposed hypothesis. In this case, the prediction is found in statement 4: "If something is wrong with the outlet, my coffeemaker also won't work when plugged into it." The prediction is that if the electrical outlet is the issue, then other appliances, like the coffeemaker, shouldn't work either when plugged into the same outlet.

Evaluate the Results and Conclusion

The results of the experiment can be found in statement 6: "My coffeemaker works." Based on this result, when the coffeemaker was plugged into the outlet, it did work. This means the hypothesis ("There is something wrong with the electrical outlet") is not supported.

Propose Alternative Hypotheses

Since the initial hypothesis is not supported, we should come up with alternative hypotheses to explain why the toaster doesn't toast the bread. Here are some potential alternatives: 1. The toaster is broken. 2. The power cord of the toaster is damaged. 3. The toaster's settings are not adjusted correctly for toasting bread. 4. The toaster needs to be cleaned or maintained.

Key concepts

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation. It essentially acts as an educated guess about how things work.
In the context of the scientific method, a hypothesis is critical because it provides a focus for the experiment and enables researchers to test a potential explanation.
For our example, the hypothesis was stated as "There is something wrong with the electrical outlet." This was an assumption based on the observation that the toaster did not toast the bread.

• A good hypothesis should be testable. This means it should be possible to prove it wrong.
• It should also be specific so that predictions can be made. Specificity helps in determining what kind of data needs to be collected during an experiment.

The process doesn’t stop with just forming a hypothesis. It involves testing its validity through predictions and experiments, as we have seen in the journey from hypothesizing about the outlet to plugging in the coffeemaker.

Experimental Design

Experimental design is the detailed procedure of planning how to test a hypothesis. It is about laying down every step in the process to ensure the experiment will effectively test the hypothesis while controlling variables to avoid bias or errors.
An effective experimental design will include:

• A clear hypothesis.
• A specific prediction that aids in testing this hypothesis.
• A logical sequence of steps to conduct the experiment.
• A method to observe and record results accurately.

In our example, the steps were clear. The prediction made was that if the outlet were the problem, then no appliance plugged into it should work. The experiment involved plugging a known working device, the coffeemaker, into the outlet to observe the result. The success of the coffeemaker working demonstrated the hypothesis was incorrect, showing the design allowed for a clear conclusion.
This methodical approach ensures you account for potential sources of error and can be confident in your findings.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is an essential aspect of the scientific method, as it allows us to approach everyday issues logically and systematically. At its core, problem solving requires identifying the issue, understanding the environment surrounding the problem, generating possible solutions, and testing these until the issue is resolved.
In the provided example, the problem was straightforward: "My toaster doesn't toast my bread." This initial observation led to asking, "Why doesn't my toaster work?" which is the onset of problem solving.

• Ask yourself guiding questions to fully understand the problem's context.
• Generate different hypotheses which could explain this problem.
• Systematically experiment to verify or eliminate these hypotheses.

Once a hypothesis fails the test, such as the outlet not being faulty, it’s vital to propose new potential reasons—like the toaster being broken—to continue problem solving. This constant cycle of questioning, testing, and verifying is essential in scientific inquiry.

Scientific Inquiry

Scientific inquiry refers to the myriad ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence from their work. This process is not linear but rather a dynamic method involving observation, questioning, hypothesizing, experimenting, and concluding.
Let’s delve into its key elements:

• Observation: Start with observing phenomena of interest. Here, the toaster not toasting was the first observation.
• Questioning: Formulate questions based on observations, like questioning why the toaster failed.
• Experimenting: Design an experiment focused on testing a specific hypothesis. In our case, experimenting involved using the coffeemaker to test the outlet.
• Analyzing Results: Analyze experimental outcomes to support or refute the hypothesis.

The beauty of scientific inquiry comes from its predictive power and its ability to adapt. If the results don't support the hypothesis, as in our exercise, scientific inquiry encourages suggesting and testing new hypotheses.
Thus, it's a never-ending process of discovery, constantly renewing itself as new observations and questions arise.