The Scientific Method
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Observation
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Form hypothesis
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Collect data to test hypothesis
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If hypothesis is consistently proved correct, may graduate to theory (e.g.,
Plate Tectonics)
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Theory
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based on series of confirmed observations
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explain all relevant observations
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not contradict any relevant observations or scientific principles
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must be internally consistent
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takes many years
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the more testing, the more confidence
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Scientific law?ÓalwaysÓ true (often based on math;
e.g., gravity, thermodynamics)
copyright, 1997, Grossman