Saturday, August 5, 2017

The Scientific Method (Definition, Purpose, Steps)



Biology Read - In scientific work, scientists have certain stages called the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic way to solve problems.
image : ThingLink

In scientific work, scientists have certain stages called the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic way to solve problems.

Scientific methods are used by experts in conducting research and experimenting to produce new invention inventions. The steps in the scientific method are as follows:
1. Finding and formulating the problem.
2. Gathering information.
3. Prepare the hypothesis.
4. Conducting an experiment to test the truth of the hypothesis.
5. Processing experimental results (data analysis).
6. Make a conclusion.
7. Make report of research result.

1. Finding and Formulating Problems
The first step in doing research or experimentation is finding a problem. In order to find an interesting problem to examine, one must be sensitive to the circumstances and events around.

Problems that have been found are formulated in the form of sentence question, concise, clear, and meaningful.

In formulating the problem to note the relationship between the selected independent variables and the dependent variable. For problem formulation, note the following questions.

• Is there an influence of independent variables on the dependent variable of the research object?
• What is the effect of free variables by on the dependent variable of the research object?
• Examples of problem formulation.
• Research object: Hydrilla sp.
• Free variable: water temperature
• Dependent variable: the speed of photosynthesis of aquatic plants Hydrilla sp.
• Problem formulation: Is there any effect of water temperature on the speed of photosynthesis of water plants Hydrilla sp.


 2. Gathering Information
After finding the problem, the next step is to gathering the information related to the object of research.


Supporting information and data can be found through literature study, observation (direct observation) of the object to be studied, and interviewing the resource persons who are experts in the field.








Library study can be done by reading reference books, journals, reports of research results of others, scientific magazines, newspapers, and the internet.

From direct observation of the object to be studied will get the actual facts information. If the information and supporting data have been felt enough, then serve as the foundation of theory or frame of mind.

3. Preparing Hypotheses (Temporary Suspicions)
Hypothesis is a temporary answer to a problem. Hypotheses are structured on the basis of the theory or framework of thought that has been prepared. 

This hypothesis will be verified by experiment or experiment. Hypotheses can be divided into two kinds, namely the null hypothesis (statistical hypothesis) and work hypothesis (alternative hypothesis).

a. The null hypothesis (H0) is a provisional assumption that states that there is no influence of independent variables on the dependent variable.

Example: Some people believe that if a pregnant woman eats yellow foods (tomatoes, papaya, carrots, turmeric) will give birth to a yellow-skinned child. Is that true?

Problem formulation: Is there any effect of the color of food the mother consumes on the expression of color (pigment) of baby skin that is born?
Theoretical basis: The color of a person's skin is determined by genetic factors (genes) obtained from both parents. In general, a person's character is controlled by a pair of genes, but the human skin pigment is affected by many genes (polygens). The environment can also affect one's skin pigment, such as exposure to sunlight. Sunlight will improve the pigmentation process so that the skin color becomes darker. Thus, based on theory, the skin pigment is not affected by the color of the food consumed.
Formulation of the null hypothesis (H0): There is no effect of food color on human skin pigment.

b. Hypothesis work (H1) is a provisional assumption that states that there is influence of independent variables on the dependent variable.

Example: A mango tree has several branches. One branch produces very many fruits, while other branches produce only a small amount of fruit. The stem bark of the branch that produces many fruits turns out to have a wound due to the placement of the children's swing straps.

Problem formulation: Does injuring the skin of the plant branch affect the formation of fruit in mango plants?
Theoretical basis: Plants make their own food through the process of photosynthesis that occurs in the leaves. Food substances are used to support life, among others grow, flowering, and fruitful. Food substances from photosynthesis are circulated to all parts of the plant body through the phloem vessels. When the bark of a tree is injured and the damage to the floem tissue occurs, the distribution of the food substance is stopped so that there will be a buildup of nutrients over the injured part. Stacking of nutrients will spur the formation of flowers and the occurrence of fruit.
Working Hypothesis (H1): Wounding the bark of the plant can affect the formation of fruit in mango plants.

4. Doing Experiments to Test the Truth of Hypotheses
image : Playbuzz
a. Preparation phase of the experiment
Experiment  is done to prove the truth of the hypothesis you are proposing. Before the experiment is done, you need to design the experiment model first so that while performing the experiment, all necessary equipment is ready.

Things to consider in designing experiments, among others, determine the tools and materials, the translation of variables, determine the time of the experiment, and trial model trial

1) Determine tools and materials. In determining tools and materials, you need to consider the costs and where tools and materials can be obtained. It is recommended to use tools and materials that are easily obtained both procurement of goods and financially (cheap). It aims to anticipate if the tool is damaged or the material used up.

2) Compile work methods. How to work should be arranged clearly and detailed so easily understood and implemented so that when doing research is not hampered.

3) Translation of variables. The independent variables, dependent variables, and control variables are examined to determine the translation. An example of the variable translation of the experiment "The effect of the addition of vinegar on the quality of cellulose nata de coco" is as follows.

The description of the independent variables of "the addition of vinegar" is the amount or amount of vinegar added, eg 5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL, and 20 mL.

The leveling should be increased by a constant margin. The translation of the dependent variable of the "cellulose quality" of nata de coco eg thickness, fiber texture, and flavor.

Translation of control variables (same treatment), eg the amount of coconut water used on each experimental object is always ½ liter; the amount of sugar added to each treatment is the same; number and type of bacterial seeds used together (Acetobacter xylinum); and placed in containers of the same size.

4) Determine the time of the experiment. It needs to be set when the experiment will start, how long the treatment will be given, and when the experiment will be completed.

5) Trial model trial. Once the experimental model has been designed, it will be tested first. This is very important to avoid failure in the actual experiment.


b. Stage of experimental treatment
In the experiment there were two groups, the untreated group (control group) and the treated group (experiment).

 In the experiment "The effect of the addition of vinegar to the quality of cellulose nata de coco. the control group is an un-added vinegar container (amount of vinegar acid: 0 ml.), while the experimental group, ie vinegar plus vinegar containers of 5 mL, 10 mL, 15 mL, and 20 mL, respectively.

The observation and recording of the experimental data is cultivated as thoroughly as possible in order to obtain qualitative data as well as accurate quantitative data.

 Measuring tools used, such as scales, rulers, thermometers, and pH meters must be standardized / not defective. Experiments should be performed several times to get valid data (correct data is trusted).


The final experiment result data is the average result of the repetition of the experiment that has been done. For example, if in the experiment used a sample of 3 individuals, then repeated 3 times; whereas when used a sample of 7 individuals, then repeated 7 times.
5. Processing Experimental Results (Data Analysis)
After completion of the experiment, the data obtained were analyzed. Quantitative data analysis requires statistical calculations. If the statistical data is too difficult, then the quantitative data obtained is fairly average, converted in percentage form, and created graphs that readers can easily understand.
Working with a computer will be easier and the results will be more tidy. The results of qualitative data analysis and quantitative data are then used to answer the hypothesis ever proposed, and as a basis for drawing conclusions.

6. Make a Conclusion
Conclusion is the actual answer of the hypothesis ever proposed. There are two possibilities, namely the rejected hypothesis or the accepted hypothesis.
The hypothesis is accepted when it matches the experimental results. However, if the hypothesis does not match the results of the experiment or the resulting data is inconsistent, then the hypothesis is rejected. If the hypothesis is rejected, then do the experiment repeatedly until the hypothesis is accepted. Abstinence is one of the nature of researchers.

7. Making Research Reports

The results of scientific research can be communicated to others in the form of reports. Techniques and procedures of writing research reports in the form of papers contain the following elements:
image : Newfirst


a. The title, in the form of a short sentence and solid, and can describe the contents of the report.

b. Abstract, contains a brief description of the papers starting from the name of the author, the title of the paper, background problems, research objectives, data retrieval techniques and data processing, and research results 

c. Foreword, contains an expression of gratitude to God Almighty and thanks to the parties who helped the completion of research.

d. Table of contents, containing subheadings in each chapter and section

e. Introduction, contains background writing, problem identification, problem definition, problem formulation, research objectives, and usefulness of research.

f. The theoretical framework and the proposed hypothesis, contains the study of the foundations of existing theory and hypotheses.

g. Research methodology, describes the research objectives, place and time of research, tools, materials, samples, and research methods.

h. Discussion, contains data processing and research results. At this stage the data is analyzed in such a way that the section of the discussion can be referred to as the real part of your research report. Write it using facts that can strengthen your writing.

i. Conclusions and suggestions, contains conclusions from research and suggestions relating to the use of research results.

j. The reference list includes the quoted sources used, such as print media such as books and magazines, as well as electronic media such as TV, radio, and the internet.
Attachment, containing tables, photos, data, and supporting data information. It is free, may be added should not.



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