The scientific method

http://www.theguardian.com/science/2007/aug/24/2

Scientists have developed a way to create an out of body experience. This can create a virtual reality for gamers and has many applications in the future. How did they do this? If there are many questions in your mind, keep reading.

The scientific method is more than a process, it's a whole new way of looking at the world. Think deeply about any questions you have around the world we live in such as where did we come from as a species? What are we made out of? How do we function? What is the sun made out of? How did life originate? Science is about investigating the world around us. It's about being a critical thinker and exploring new ideas. Once you are motivated to investigate and learn about reality, you are ready to become a scientist. How do you become a scientist? Every scientist in different branches follows a general but essential method known as the scientific method.

1. Make observations - We can make many observations with our natural senses but to get an even deeper glimpse into the intricate details of the universe, scientists use various tools. Scientists keep track of everything they can observe and pile it into data. Observations are used to either support or refute a hypothesis. You cannot simply observe without providing an explanation for that observation. Making observations and keeping consistent track of them are essential throughout the scientific method.

2. Asking questions - Science requires alot of creativity. When curiosity is sparked, it is a great idea to write down all the questions you have in a notebook concerning an observation such as what are the differences between men and women? How did life originate? How hot is the sun? What is it made out of? Can we travel through time inside black holes?

3. Scientific arguments - These aren't disagreements, but lines of reasoning deducing a conclusion based on three components: hypotheses, expected observations, and the outcomes. Hypotheses follow an if-then statement and is examined by many scientists. The questions you should be asking are the following:

a. What would we expect to see based on what we already know?

b. What do we observe now?

c. Do our expectations match the observations made?

4. Performing experiments - An experiment is a test designed to manipulate some factors to alter the outcome. They involve controlling factors in order to isolate the exact cause of the test results. There are lab tests and real world tests such as removing a species from it's environment to see how the ecosystem would function. Natural experiments are observations of the universe performing a test for us.

All experiments require making assumptions of nature which can be justified. Additional tests can be done to justify these assumptions. Some assumptions aren't tested because knowledge of a field determines it is safe to be assumed. If an expectation not supported by a test is formed by an idea, it can be right or wrong but even if it is right, it can be attributed to false positive test results.

5. Reviewing test results - Scientists evaluate several ideas on how something works and figure out which one has the most supportive evidence. Evidence may support an idea over another. It may rule out some other hypotheses. Evidence may also require revision in a hypothesis. It can also reveal a faulty assumption which causes the scientist to possibly redesign the experiment. Evidence can also lead towards another hypothesis and research. If hypotheses are equally plausible then the evidence is inconclusive. If an assumptions is shown to be faulty, the scientist may need to redesign the experiment. New questions and new research may arise from existing evidence.

Science is all about knowledge built upon by creative thinking. Science requires an open mind and rigorous procedure to ensure that we learn how things work. This is a basic overview of the scientific method. There is still much to learn.