Question

How do you test a hypothesis using scientific inquiry

Answer 1

Once you have constructed an effective hypothesis, the next step in the scientific inquiry process is to test the hypothesis through experimentation. This is a great opportunity for students to start a science notebook, if they have not yet started recording their progress. Steps to Identifying and Conducting an Appropriate Experiment to Test a Hypothesis 1) Present Hypotheses  Make a list of all potential hypotheses to be tested. 2) Make Predictions  For each hypothesis, ask what would be true if the hypothesis were true. 3) Write the Experimental Procedure  The experimental procedure is a step-by-step recipe for the science experiment. A good procedure contains enough detail that someone else could easily duplicate the experiment. Once you have formed a hypothesis, you will need to develop your experimental procedure to test whether your hypothesis is true or false. 4) Identify the Independent and Dependent Variables  The first step of designing the experimental procedure involves planning how to change the independent variable and how to measure the impact that this change has on the dependent variable. To guarantee a fair test when conducting the experiment, make sure that the only thing changing is the independent variable. All controlled variables must remain constant. 5) Design the Experiments  How can you identify an appropriate experiment that will effectively test your hypothesis? Begin by asking yourselves, “What can I do that will give me one result if my hypothesis is true, and a different result if my hypothesis is false?” Design at least one possible experiment for each hypothesis. Be sure that each experiment tests only one hypothesis.