What are the Steps of the Scientific Method of Inquiry and Examples
Back to: Introduction to Educational Research Methodology
STEPS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF INQUIRY
In any kind of research, there are certain steps to follow to get a successful result. Especially, if it is a scientific experiment. The word science is always tied along to the chronology of steps when it comes to research or following any scientific method. The steps and chronological order in an experiment is very essential in research of scientific experiments. The scientific method is the same for all research. Moreover, each step is closely linked to the other. There are a few mandatory steps to be followed:
STEP 1: OBSERVATION
This is the first step that needs to be followed; every subject has to be closely observed. Only through the observation and its reading we can move forward. In scientific or any research observation and initial noting down paves paths to make a conclusion, ideas, and so on. Here, we receive the initial knowledge of the research. So, any data that we collect during our initial analysis is called observation. These observations led to the questions related.
Example- I need to work on a laptop and as you are on the laptop it does not open or works. You check and observe. You can see the charger is plugged in. All buttons are in working condition. No other suspiciously abnormal things.
STEP 2: QUESTIONING
This step is more like a natural reaction. Here, numerous questions arise related to the problem or research topic. The questioning of the problems is more like brainstorming and getting into the roots of curiosity.WHAT, WHEN, and WHY? These are the main basic foundation for questioning something. Once you have questions noted down, you need to prioritize which one is the most important. This can be your research question also. Finding the answer to this can be successful research.
Example- You start asking a question like why is not the laptop not working?
Is there anything wrong?
Is it the battery of the computer?
STEP3: BACKGROUND CHECK
Checking the background deep is important. Let it be any problem before taking the next step you need to know everything about it. Its origin, what it is in detail, and so on. Even in research background search is a very important step this will give you a deeper knowledge of the subject. Without knowing anything and moving forward could cause problems and issues because of foolishness. So, having to know more about the subject in detail is an essential step always.
Example: In this case, you need to know more about the laptop. How many years has it been since the purchase of the laptop? All the conditions of the buttons and working of laptop have been good or not. Anything odd while working with the laptop. Answers to such background analysis can help us to solve the problem easily. Also, know the things that can cause damage to the laptop.
STEP 4: HYPOTHESIS
This step is on the researcher; here you are supposed to make the possible solution to the problems. Here is where you can come up with innovative ideas for the solution. Brainstorming is very essential. All the ideas you come up with should also be realistic, the ideas you may come up with necessarily need not be something that is already out there. It should be your idea. This can also be said it is more like a prediction.
Example: The laptop is not working because of the old battery or maybe the issue with the plug-in. It can also be an internal problem of the laptop. Also, the power button can have issues with responding and so. Solving issues like these can bring an end to the problem.
STEP 5: PREDICTION
Here, you try to bring up whether the hypothesis is correct or not. The verification of the hypothesis is this step. You try the hypothesis by relating it to reality. The dots between the hypothesis and making it a reality are filled in here.
Example- You know the hypothesis is that the problem is with the laptop. So you have come up with an idea where there are answers to it. So you predict that once I buy a new battery for the laptop this problem can be solved.
STEP 6: TEST
Now you have a hypothesis of your own, try it realistically. Making the idea one has realistic is not an easy process. There might be failures and successes each time. The important thing here is that never give up, keep on trying. In this step, you might have to do the same things over and over until you get a solution to the problem. This might take a lot of your time and energy.
Example-You will take the laptop to another plug, there you find the same problem. So, you check the battery and change it. Now it starts working.
STEP 7: ANALYSIS
This is where you analyze the whole research that you have done so far. It is more like a recap of the research. From the start till the end you brush it up and make a small summary of your research. Most of your reflections regarding your research are written here. These can be two steps here 1) the hypothesis you had come up with works successfully. 2) You would have to come up with a new hypothesis to make the solution.
Example- The laptop works hypothesis worked hence, the research is a success
The laptop does not work hence the hypothesis is wrong. Create a new hypothesis.
