The scientific method

Summary

The video script delves into the scientific method, presenting it as a logical and common-sense approach to understanding the world. It outlines the process through a tangible example: observing that a pond freezes faster than the ocean. The steps include making an observation, asking a question, formulating a testable hypothesis, designing and conducting an experiment, making a prediction, and testing it. The importance of having a reproducible experiment and being skeptical of findings, including one's own, is emphasized. The summary highlights the iterative nature of the scientific method, which involves refining and retesting explanations based on new data, ensuring a strong foundation for knowledge.

Takeaways

• 🔍 **Observation**: The scientific method begins with observing a phenomenon, such as a pond freezing over before the ocean.
• ❓ **Ask a Question**: Formulate a question based on the observation, like why does the pond freeze faster than the ocean?
• 📝 **Hypothesis**: Create a testable explanation (hypothesis) for the observation, like salt water having a lower freezing point than fresh water.
• 🚫 **Testability**: Ensure the hypothesis is testable and not based on unobservable factors, such as magical fairies.
• 🧪 **Experiment Design**: Design an experiment to test the hypothesis under controlled conditions, isolating the variable of interest.
• 📊 **Prediction**: Make a prediction based on the hypothesis, which can be tested through the experiment.
• ❄️ **Testing**: Conduct the experiment and observe whether the results support the hypothesis.
• 🔄 **Iterate and Refine**: If the hypothesis is not supported, refine it and iterate the process, considering other factors that might affect the outcome.
• 🌐 **Reproducible Results**: The experiment should be reproducible, allowing other scientists to verify the results.
• 🧐 **Skepticism**: Maintain a skeptical approach, questioning not just others' work but also one's own assumptions and methodology.
• 🏛️ **Foundation of Knowledge**: The scientific method ensures a strong foundation for knowledge by verifying explanations through testing and iteration.
• 📚 **Critical Examination**: As Hasan Ibn al-Haytham emphasized, it's crucial to critically examine all aspects of scientific inquiry to seek the truth.

Q & A

What is the scientific method?

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating and understanding the natural world through observation, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, and analysis of results to draw conclusions.

Why is it important to have a testable explanation in the scientific method?

A testable explanation, or hypothesis, is crucial because it allows for empirical testing and verification. This ensures that the explanation is based on evidence and can be validated or refuted through experimentation.

What is an example of an observation that could lead to a scientific inquiry?

An example from the script is noticing that a nearby pond freezes over sooner in winter and at higher temperatures than the ocean does, which could lead to investigating the reasons behind this phenomenon.

How does the scientific method ensure a strong foundation for knowledge?

The scientific method ensures a strong foundation for knowledge by requiring hypotheses to be testable and results to be reproducible. This process of rigorous testing and peer review helps to build a reliable and accurate understanding of the world.

What is a hypothesis and why is it central to the scientific method?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that is testable through experimentation. It is central to the scientific method because it provides a clear, testable prediction that can be either supported or refuted by empirical evidence.

Why is it not a good idea to rely solely on intuition or gut feelings when investigating natural phenomena?

Relying solely on intuition or gut feelings can lead to incorrect assumptions and conclusions, as these are not based on empirical evidence. The scientific method emphasizes the importance of testing explanations to ensure they are accurate and reliable.

What is the role of skepticism in the scientific method?

Skepticism plays a critical role in the scientific method by encouraging scientists to question and critically examine their own ideas and the ideas of others. This helps to prevent bias and maintain objectivity in the pursuit of truth.

What does it mean for an experiment to be reproducible?

An experiment is considered reproducible if it can be independently conducted by others and yield the same results. Reproducibility is essential for the credibility of scientific findings and ensures that the results are not due to chance or error.

Who is often considered one of the fathers of the scientific method and what is a notable quote from him?

Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, also known as Alhazen, is often considered one of the fathers of the scientific method. A notable quote from him emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical examination in the pursuit of truth.

What is the significance of controlling variables in an experiment?

Controlling variables in an experiment is important to isolate the effects of the variable being tested. This ensures that any observed effects can be confidently attributed to the experimental manipulation rather than other factors.

How does the process of iteration and refinement work within the scientific method?

Iteration and refinement involve repeating the scientific process with new or refined hypotheses based on the results of previous experiments. This continuous cycle allows for the gradual improvement of understanding and the development of more accurate explanations.

What is the importance of a control in an experiment designed to test a hypothesis?

A control in an experiment serves as a baseline for comparison. It allows researchers to determine if the changes made in the experimental group are significant by comparing the results with the control group, which has not been subjected to the experimental manipulation.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Introduction to the Scientific Method

This paragraph introduces the scientific method, which might initially seem daunting but is presented as a sensible approach to understanding the world and making progress in our knowledge. The speaker uses the example of why a pond freezes faster than an ocean to illustrate the steps of observation, asking a question, creating a testable hypothesis, and the importance of testable explanations. The hypothesis that salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water is given as a good example, while a magical explanation involving a fairy is dismissed as untestable.

05:01

🧪 Conducting an Experiment to Test the Hypothesis

The paragraph explains the process of designing and conducting an experiment to test the hypothesis that salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water. The experiment involves using two cups, one with distilled (fresh) water and the other with salt added to make it salt water. The prediction is that the fresh water will freeze at a higher temperature than the salt water. The experiment is designed to control all variables except for the presence of salt. The results of the experiment will either validate or invalidate the hypothesis, leading to further refinement and iteration in the scientific process.

10:01

📚 The Importance of Skepticism and Reproducibility

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of skepticism in the scientific method, quoting Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, known as Alhazen in the Latinized world, who is considered one of the fathers of the scientific method. The quote encourages scientists to critically examine all information and to be wary of their own biases. Reproducibility of experiments is highlighted as a key aspect of the scientific method, ensuring that results are not one-off occurrences and can be independently verified by other scientists to build a strong foundation of knowledge.

Keywords

💡Scientific Method

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating and understanding the natural world. It involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence. In the video, the scientific method is presented as a common-sense way to explore and make progress in our understanding of the world, using the example of why a pond might freeze over faster than an ocean.

💡Observation

Observation is the first step in the scientific method, where one notices and records facts or phenomena without attempting to explain why they are occurring. In the context of the video, the observation is that a pond freezes over at higher temperatures and sooner in the winter than the ocean, which prompts the viewer to ask why this happens.

💡Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable explanation for an observation that serves as a starting point for further investigation. It must be something that can be proven or disproven through experimentation. In the video, the hypothesis is that salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water, which is why the ocean (salt water) freezes at lower temperatures than the pond (fresh water).

💡Experiment

An experiment is a procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. It allows for the collection of data through observation and recording, which can then be analyzed to draw conclusions. The video describes an experiment where two cups, one with distilled water and the other with salt water, are placed in a freezer to test the hypothesis about freezing points.

💡Prediction

A prediction in the context of the scientific method is a statement about what is expected to happen based on the hypothesis. It is a logical step that follows from the hypothesis and is used to guide the experiment. In the video, the prediction is that the fresh water will freeze at a higher temperature than the salt water, which is then tested in the experiment.

💡Testable Explanation

A testable explanation is a statement or hypothesis that can be investigated through observation or experimentation. It is a crucial part of the scientific method because it allows for empirical verification or falsification. The video emphasizes the importance of creating explanations that are testable, using the example of the difference between a good hypothesis (salt water has a lower freezing point) and a bad one (a fairy performs magic on the pond).

💡Reproducible

Reproducibility in the scientific method refers to the ability of an experiment to be independently repeated by others to verify its results. It is a fundamental aspect of the scientific process that ensures reliability and validity of the findings. The video mentions that for a hypothesis to be considered good, the experiment based on it must be reproducible.

💡Iterating

Iterating in the scientific method means repeating the process of making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing results with the aim of refining the understanding of a phenomenon. It is an ongoing process that allows for continuous improvement and learning. The video discusses the importance of iterating when a hypothesis is not fully correct or when more questions arise from the findings.

💡Control

In an experiment, a control is a standard or baseline used to compare the effects of an experimental manipulation. It helps to isolate the effects of the variable being tested. In the video, the use of two cups, one with fresh water and one with salt water, serves as a control to isolate the effect of salt on the freezing point.

💡Hasan Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen)

Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, known as Alhazen in the Latinized version of his name, was an Arab scientist considered one of the fathers of the scientific method. He made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy, physics, and mathematics. The video quotes Alhazen emphasizing the importance of skepticism and critical examination in the pursuit of truth in science.

💡Skepticism

Skepticism in the context of the scientific method is the attitude of doubting or questioning the validity of claims or hypotheses. It encourages scientists to critically examine all aspects of their work and the work of others to avoid bias and ensure accuracy. The video highlights the importance of being skeptical not just of others' work but also of one's own assumptions and interpretations.

Highlights

The scientific method is a systematic approach to understanding the world and making progress in knowledge.

The process begins with observation, followed by formulating a testable hypothesis to explain the observation.

Hypotheses should be testable and based on observable phenomena rather than unverifiable claims.

An example used is the difference in freezing times between a pond and an ocean, suggesting saltwater has a lower freezing point.

A controlled experiment is designed to isolate the variable of interest, in this case, the presence of salt in water.

Predictions are made based on the hypothesis, which are then tested through experimentation.

The experiment should be reproducible to ensure the validity of the results.

If the results do not match the prediction, the hypothesis is refined or a new one is formulated.

The scientific method involves continuous iteration and refinement based on experimental outcomes.

Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, known as Alhazen, emphasized the importance of skepticism and critical examination in the pursuit of truth.

The scientific method is not just a theoretical exercise but a logical approach to building a strong foundation of knowledge.

The process encourages questioning one's own assumptions and being aware of potential biases.

The scientific method is a common-sense approach that can be applied to a wide range of problems and phenomena.

It is crucial to avoid relying solely on intuition or gut feelings when making scientific claims.

The method promotes a rigorous and structured way of thinking that leads to reliable and verifiable conclusions.

The scientific method ensures that our understanding of the world is built on a solid and reliable foundation.

The importance of reproducibility in experiments cannot be overstated, as it allows for independent verification of results.

Transcripts

- [Voiceover] Let's explore the scientific

scientific method

which, at first might seem a little

bit intimidating, but when we walk

through it, you'll see that it's actually

almost a common-sense way of looking

at the world and making progress in our

understanding of the world and feeling good

about that progress of our understanding

of the world.

So, let's just use a tangible example

here, and we'll walk through what we could

consider the steps of the scientific

method, and you'll see different steps

articulated in different ways, but they all

boil down to the same thing.

You observe something about reality, and you say,

well, let me try to come up with

a reason for why that observation

happens, and then you try to test that explanation.

It's very important that you come up with

explanations that you can test, and then you

can see if they're true, and then based on

whether they're true, you keep iterating.

If it's not true, you come up with another explanation.

If it is true, but it doesn't explain everything,

well once again, you try to explain more of it.

So, as a tangible example, let's say that you live in,

in I don't know, northern Canada or something, and let's

say that you live near the beach, but there's

also a pond near your house, and you notice that

the pond, it tends to freeze over sooner in

the Winter than the ocean does.

It does that faster and even does it at higher

temperatures than when the ocean seems

to freeze over.

So, you could view that as your observation.

So, the first step is you're making an observation.

Observation.

In our particular case is that the pond freezes

over at higher temperatures than the ocean

does, and it freezes over sooner in the Winter.

Well, the next question that you might

wanna, or the next step you could view as

a scientific method.

It doesn't have to be this regimented, but this

is a structured way of thinking about it.

Well, ask yourself a question.

Ask a question.

Why does, so in this particular question, or in

this particular scenario, why does the pond tend

to freeze over faster and at higher temperatures

than the ocean does?

Well, you then try to answer that question, and this

is a key part of the scientific method

is what you do in this third step

is that you try to create an explanation, but what's

key is that it is a testable explanation.

So, you try to, you create a testable

explanation.

Testable explanation, and this is kind of the

core, one of the core pillars of the scientific

method, and this testable explanation is called

your hypothesis.

Your hypothesis.

And so, in this particular case, a testable

explanation could be that, well the ocean is

made up of salt water, and this pond is

fresh water, so your testable explanation

could be salt water,

salt water has lower freezing point.

Has lower freezing,

freezing point.

Lower freezing point, so it takes colder

temperatures to freeze it than fresh water.

Than fresh water.

So, this, right over here, this would

be a good hypothesis.

It doesn't matter whether the hypothesis is

actually true or not.

We haven't actually run the experiment, but it's

a good one, because we can construct an

experiment that tests this very well.

Now, what would be an example of a bad

hypothesis or of something that you couldn't

even necessarily consider as part of the

scientific method?

Well, you could say that there is a

fairy that blesses that, let's

say that performs magic

performs magic

on the pond

to freeze it faster.

Freeze it faster.

And, the reason why this isn't so good is that

this is not so testable, because it's depending

on this fairy, and you don't know how to convince

the fairy to try to do it again.

You haven't seen the fairy.

You haven't observed the fairy.

It's not based on any observation, and so

this one right over here, this would not

be a good hypothesis for the scientific

method, so we would wanna rule that one out.

So, let's go back to our testable explanation,

our hypothesis.

Salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water.

Well, the next step would be to

make a prediction based on that, and this is the

part where we're really designing an experiment.

So, you could just view all of this as designing.

Let me do this in a different color.

Where we wanna design an experiment.

Design an experiment.

And in that experiments lets say, and let's see,

the next two steps I will put as

part of this experimental.

Whoops.

I messed up.

Let me, I did my undo step.

So, the next part that I will do is the experiment.

Experiment.

And there you go.

So, the first thing is, we'll say I take, you know,

there's all sorts of things that are going on outside.

The ocean has waves.

You know, maybe there are boats going by

that might potentially break up the ice.

So, I just wanna isolate that one variable that

I care about, whether something is salt

water or not, and I want a control for

everything else.

So, I want a control for whether there's

waves or not or whether there's wind or any

other possible explanation for why the

pond freezes over faster.

So, what I do, in a very controlled environment

I take two cups.

I take two cups.

That's one cup and two cups, and I put

water in those cups.

I put water in those cups.

Now, let's say I start with distilled water, but then

this one stays, the first one right over here

stays distilled, and distilled means that through

evaporation I've taken out all of the impurities

of that water, and in the second one

I take that distilled water, and I throw a bunch

of salt in it.

So, this one is fresh, very fresh, and in fact,

far fresher than you would find in a pond.

It's distilled water.

And then this is over here, this is salt water.

So, you wouldn't see the salt, but just for our

visuals, you depict it.

Then we would make a prediction, and we

could even view this as Step Four,

our prediction.

We predict that the fresh water will freeze at

a higher temperature than the salt water.

So, we'll prediction, let's say the fresh freezes

fresh freezes

at zero degrees Celsius,

but salt doesn't.

Salt water doesn't.

Whoop, not sat.

Salt water doesn't.

So, what you then do is that you test your prediction.

So, then you test it.

And how would you test it?

Well, you could have a very accurate freezer that

is exactly at zero degrees Celsius, and you put

both of these cups into it, and you wanna make

sure that they're identical and everything where

you control for everything else.

You control for the surface area.

You control for the material of the glass.

You control for how much water there is.

But, then you test it.

Then you see what happened from your test.

Leave it in overnight, and if you see that the

fresh water has frozen over, so it's frozen

over, but the salt water hasn't, well then that

seems to validate your testable explanation

that salt water has a lower freezing point than

fresh water, and if it didn't freeze, well it's like,

okay, well may that, or if there isn't a difference,

maybe either both of them didn't freeze or both

of them did freeze, then you might say, well, okay,

that wasn't a good explanation.

I have to find another explanation for why

the ocean seems to freeze at a lower temperature.

Or, you might say, well that's part of the

explanation, but that by itself doesn't

explain it, or you might now wanna ask even

further questions about, well, when does

salt water freeze, and what else is it dependent on?

Do the waves have an impact?

Does the wind have an impact?

So, then you can go into the process

of iterating and refining.

So, you then refine

refine

refine and iterate on the process.

When I'm talking about iterate, you're

doing it over again, but then, based on

the things that you've learned.

So, you might come up with a more refined

testable explanation, or you might come up

with more experiments that could get you

a better understanding of the difference

between fresh and salt water, or you might

try to come up with experiments for why

exactly, what is it about the salt that makes

this water harder to freeze?

So, that's essentially the essence of

the scientific method, and I wanna emphasize

this isn't some, you know, bizarre thing.

This is logical reasoning.

Make a testable explanation for something

that you're observing in the world, and then

you test it, and you see if your explanation

seems to hold up based on the data from your

test, and then whether or not it holds up,

you then keep going, and you keep refining, and you

keep learning more about the world, and the

reason why this is better than just saying, oh well,

look, okay, I see the pond has frozen over and the

ocean hasn't, it must be the salt water, and you know,

I just feel good about that, is that you can't

feel good about that.

There's a million different reasons, and you

shouldn't just go on your gut, 'cause at some

point, your gut might be right 90% of

the time, but that 10% that it's wrong, you're

going to be passing on knowledge or assumptions

about the world that aren't true, and then other

people are going to build on that, and then all

of our knowledge is going to be built on kind of

a shaky foundation, and so the scientific method

ensures that our foundation is strong.

And I'll leave you with the gentleman who's often

considered to be the father, or one of the

fathers, of the scientific method.

He lived in Cairo, and in what is now Iraq,

oh nearly 1,000 or roughly 1,000 years ago, and he

was a famous astronomer and physist and mathematician.

And his quote is a pretty powerful one, 'cause

I think it even stands today:

"The duty of the man who investigates the writings

of scientists, if learning the truth is his goal, ..."

Let me start over, just so I can get the dramatic

effect right.

"The duty of the man who investigates the writings

of scientists, if learning the truth is his goal,

is to make himself an enemy of all that

he reads, and attack it from every side.

He should also suspect himself as he performs

his critical examination of it, so that he may

avoid falling into either prejudice or leniency."

Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, and his Latinized name

is Alhazen.

So, he's saying be skeptical, and not just skeptical

of what other people write and read, but even

of yourself, and another aspect of the scientific

method which is super important is, if someone

says they made a hypothesis and they tested and they

got a result, in order for that to be a good test and in

order for that to be a good hypothesis, that experiment

has to be reproducible.

Someone can't say, oh it's only, you know, a certain

time that only happens once every 100 years and not,

that that's why it happened that day.

It has to be reproducible, and reproducible

is key, because then another skeptical scientist

like yourself can say, let me see if I can

reproduce it.

Let me not just believe it, because that person

looks like they're smart, and they said that

it is true.