Trace the Scientific Method in a Primary Scientific Article

Steps to Recognize the Scientific Method

Written Assignment

1: Trace the Scientific Method in a Primary Scientific Article

• recognize and explain how the scientific method is used to solve problems

• weigh evidence and make decisions based on strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge and the scientific method Before starting this assignment you might want to revisit the Scientific Method Tutorial in the Science Learning Center under the Content area.

Please review one of the provided Science Daily articles and the corresponding peer-reviewed scholarly written article below.

1. Identify and describe the steps of the scientific method. Which observations do you think the scientists made leading up to this research study? Given your understanding of the experimental design, formulate a specific hypothesis that is being tested in this experiment. If a hypothesis is stated, please rewrite it IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Describe the experimental design including control and treatment group(s), and dependent and independent variables. Summarize the results and the conclusion.

2. Criticize the research described. Things to consider: Were the test subjects and treatments relevant and appropriate? Was the sample size large enough? Were the methods used appropriate? Can you think of a potential bias in a research study like this? What are the limitations of the conclusions made in this research study? Address at least two of these questions in your critique of the research study.

3. Discuss the relevance of this type of research, both for the world in general andfor you personally.