response to this discussion
Throughout life, there will constantly be questions that need answers. Although there may be different types of scientists, they all have one thing in common. Regardless of the type of scientist, they all base their research on scientific thinking.
Scientists use scientific thinking in order to provide accurate responses to questions such as: How can bacteria multiply? Why do some plants react to the sense of touch? Or at what temperature can salt water freeze? This method requires one to collect data and research in order to provide an accurate conclusion to a problem. The scientific thinking method consists of clear and specific steps:
Observation: This requires one to distinguish between what they already know and what can be visualized.
Ask a question: The second step requires scientists to gather information for questions they have.
Form a hypothesis: Scientists often form assumptions or try to make an educated guess in response to the question they had.
Experiment: In the fourth step, scientists will take the data they have collected to test their hypothesis.
Analyze results: This allows scientists to compare their tested results to their hypothesis.
Draw a conclusion: Finally, the decision is made to accept the original hypothesis or decline. Scientists will report their findings and create new hypotheses.
Before data is presented, scientists may repeat this process multiple times before coming to an accurate conclusion. Can you imagine all of the false information we would receive if scientists based their decisions on assumptions versus data?
