Question

Tara is in 11th grade and is interested in studying the effects of text-messaging rather than talking on the phone on the quality of friendships. the first step tara would perform in order to follow the scientific method is ______.

Answer 1

Ah, the scientific method. Well. Here it is:

1. Ask a question.
Be specific! Define your variables. Tara might like to ask something like “What are the effects of text-messaging rather than talking on the quality of friendships?” But she needs to define what counts as high quality and low quality friendship. Besides, what effects does she mean?

2. Make a hypothesis.
Something like “I believe the more text-messaging involved rather than taking, the lower quality the friendship will be.” Again, she should define her variables better. Make sure to use an independent and dependant variable.

3. Collect data.
Find a way to collect data. Surveys? Interviews? In-field observation? Keep it objective and informative. Remember the Hawthorne effect- don’t get to close to participants if it’s a study.

4. Represent your data.
Some people like using graphs or charts or some sort. Find a simple way to represent the data so it is easily understood.

5. Analyze and conclude
What conclusions can she draw from her research and data? Did it prove her hypothesis correct? If so, how? What else can she say about what she noticed?

There can be more or less official steps depending on your point of view. Some people like to include material lists, or theories, or sources of error. Do what you wish, but the scientific method cannot be used without first asking a question.