REASONING & SCIENTIFIC METHOD

INDUCTIVE REASONING

Bottom-up approach of reasoning:
- Begins with a general OBSERVATION or a PATTERN of observations
- Then this observation/pattern is used to create a HYPOTHESIS which leads into the creation of an experiment where the hypothesis can be tested and then reasoned with to a THEORY.

Example Statement:

The sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. Therefore, again tomorrow the sun will rise in the east and set in the west.

OBSERVATION/PATTERN

HYPOTHESIS

Top-down approach of reasoning:
- Begins with a THEORY or a FACT/LOGIC
- This theory/fact is then used to create a HYPOTHESIS (usually an if/then statement) which leads into the creation of an experiment where the hypothesis can be tested and then OBSERVATIONS can be made to CONFIRM your hypothesis
- This type of thinking is more logical and systematic

Example Statement:

All students eat pizza once a month. Claire is a student at ATSS. IF Claire is a student THEN she must eat pizza once a month.

FACT/LOGIC

HYPOTHESIS

(If/Then Statement)

HYPOTHESIS:

A tentative explanation of what you have observed and can be used to create an experiment.

THEORY:

Is a widely accepted hypothesis around the world which scientists have the upmost confidence in.

WHAT IS A CONTROL VARIABLE ?

It is a variable that is kept constant in each experiment
It is used to help prevent outside factors from impacting your results in the experiment
It allows scientists to develop a cause an effect relationship with the results