The scientific method is a process, which involves deductive and inductive reasoning. Each step of the process involved planned thoughts and logical step-wise inferences. The scientific methods can be used in many fields of study. Here, we can see how it is used in a plant biology experiment, and more real life examples, which strays from biology and more to day-to-day usage.
The following steps and information was obtained from the class website:
Observation: Have you ever noticed if you place a plant near a window, that after a while, the plant grows or leans toward the window?
Question: Have you ever wondered why the plant grows toward the window?
Hypothesis: What reasons or factors can you list that might cause a plant to lean or grow toward a window? For example I think plants respond to the glass from which they absorb some needed nutrient
Prediction: If it is true that plants respond to the glass from which they absorb some needed nutrient then grow three plants in glass cubes in the light and three plants in glass cubes in the dark then I should see a difference or change in the direction the plant is growing/leaning.
Results: The plants in the light grew straight up until they reached the tops of the glass cubes, and then grew in circles along the top of the cubes. The plants grown in the dark trailed over the sides of their pots, one to the right and two to the left.
In order to do this experiment I would first try to find out why the plants grow towards the window instead of away from the window. Then I would verbalize and record a possible hypothesis. My hypothesis may state that I think that plants move towards the glass because they absorb natural resources through it. My prediction or inference would be that the plants are attracted to the light. I know from my science class that plants utilize light in order to help with chlorophyll production. For my experiment I would take six glass cubes. Three would be placed in the light, and three...