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Scientific Investigation in Chemistry

 
1.2 Scientific Investigation in Chemistry
 
Definition of Scientific Investigation
  • Scientific investigation is a scientific method used in solving problems in science.
  • Generally, a scientific investigation begins with the observation of a problem. 
 
Definition of Scientific Method
  • Scientific method is a systematic method used by scientists or researchers to solve problems related to science.
  • This method involves several general steps to solve a problem using the correct methods.
  • Steps in a scientific method is stated in the figure below.
 
This image illustrates the steps of the scientific method. At the center, ‘SCIENTIFIC METHOD’ is written in blue. Surrounding it are various steps, each in a blue-bordered box with red arrows pointing to and from the central box. The steps include: 1. Making observations 2. Making an inference 3. Identifying the problem 4. Making a hypothesis 5. Identifying the variables 6. Controlling the variables 7. Planning an experiment 8. Collecting data 9. Interpreting data 10. Making a conclusion 11. Preparing a report The Pandai logo is in the top left corner.
 
Steps in a Scientific Method
Making observations Using senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste or smell to gather information about an object or a phenomenon taking place.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Making an inference Using data collection and past experience to make a conclusion and explanation about an event.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Identifying the problem Asking questions based on the inference made.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Making a hypothesis Making a general statement about the relationship between a manipulated variable and a responding variable to explain an event or observation. This statement can be tested to prove its validity. 
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Identifying the variables

Identifying the:

  • Manipulated variable
  • Responding variable
  • Fixed variable (s)
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Controlling the variables In an investigation, a variable is manipulated to observe its relationship with the responding variable. Simultaneously, other variables are fixed.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Planning an experiment

The matters that need to be identified in an experiment:

  • Materials
  • Apparatus
  • The procedure of the experiment
  • Method of collecting data
  • Way to analyse and interpret data
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Collecting data Making observations or measurements and recording the data systematically.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Interpreting data

Organising and interpreting the data collected. Data can be interpreted through:

  • Calculations
  • Graph
  • Charts
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Making a conclusion Making a statement on the results of the experiment on whether the hypothesis made is accepted or rejected.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Preparing a report The results of the investigation can be shared for the development of chemistry.
 
The views expressed in the notes here are those of the contributor and don’t necessarily represent the views of Pandai.

Scientific Investigation in Chemistry

 
1.2 Scientific Investigation in Chemistry
 
Definition of Scientific Investigation
  • Scientific investigation is a scientific method used in solving problems in science.
  • Generally, a scientific investigation begins with the observation of a problem. 
 
Definition of Scientific Method
  • Scientific method is a systematic method used by scientists or researchers to solve problems related to science.
  • This method involves several general steps to solve a problem using the correct methods.
  • Steps in a scientific method is stated in the figure below.
 
This image illustrates the steps of the scientific method. At the center, ‘SCIENTIFIC METHOD’ is written in blue. Surrounding it are various steps, each in a blue-bordered box with red arrows pointing to and from the central box. The steps include: 1. Making observations 2. Making an inference 3. Identifying the problem 4. Making a hypothesis 5. Identifying the variables 6. Controlling the variables 7. Planning an experiment 8. Collecting data 9. Interpreting data 10. Making a conclusion 11. Preparing a report The Pandai logo is in the top left corner.
 
Steps in a Scientific Method
Making observations Using senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste or smell to gather information about an object or a phenomenon taking place.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Making an inference Using data collection and past experience to make a conclusion and explanation about an event.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Identifying the problem Asking questions based on the inference made.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Making a hypothesis Making a general statement about the relationship between a manipulated variable and a responding variable to explain an event or observation. This statement can be tested to prove its validity. 
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Identifying the variables

Identifying the:

  • Manipulated variable
  • Responding variable
  • Fixed variable (s)
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Controlling the variables In an investigation, a variable is manipulated to observe its relationship with the responding variable. Simultaneously, other variables are fixed.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Planning an experiment

The matters that need to be identified in an experiment:

  • Materials
  • Apparatus
  • The procedure of the experiment
  • Method of collecting data
  • Way to analyse and interpret data
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Collecting data Making observations or measurements and recording the data systematically.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Interpreting data

Organising and interpreting the data collected. Data can be interpreted through:

  • Calculations
  • Graph
  • Charts
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Making a conclusion Making a statement on the results of the experiment on whether the hypothesis made is accepted or rejected.
\(\red\Downarrow\)
Preparing a report The results of the investigation can be shared for the development of chemistry.
 
The views expressed in the notes here are those of the contributor and don’t necessarily represent the views of Pandai.
Chapter : Introduction to Chemistry
Topic : Studying the effect of temperature on the solubility of salt in water using scientific methods
Form 4 Chemistry
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