10 Characteristics of a Science Experiment

Science experiments are more credible if they have certain basic characteristics.
••• Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images

Science experiments follow a principle called the “scientific method” which ensures accurate tests are performed, reliable results are gathered and reasonable conclusions are drawn. Every science experiment should follow the basic principles of proper investigation so that the results presented at the end are seen as credible.

Observation and Hypothesis

Observing a new physical process or phenomenon is a rare event, but there are areas of science that are not fully understood. The scientist must put his observations into words to develop a meaningful hypothesis. The hypothesis has to explain the phenomenon using a mechanism or a mathematical relationship, as described by Professor of Physics Frank L. H. Wolfs at the University of Rochester.

Prediction and Modeling

It is not enough to guess why something is happening. A scientist must prove his theory is correct. Predictions are made to test the observations under different circumstances. The aim is to discover more about the phenomenon and to prove it exists. One way to enhance the scientific method is to create a “model.” Models can be used to provide analogies for difficult, unobservable concepts.

Testing and Error Estimation

Testing new theories is essential. Each experiment has to be planned to reduce the number of variables. It is never enough to say an experiment was conducted and upholds the theory but that the method or results are not available. Every experiment will contain a small area of error. If the theory is to be proven using mathematics, deviations about the mean are applied to the result of each calculation.

Result Gathering and Presentation

Scientists must record their results. Often, the original theory can be rewritten after experimentation to illustrate new phenomena. If the experiments conducted do not support any theory, they must be rejected. Each result must be double-checked and those which clearly do not fit the pattern are analyzed further. Once the results are collated, they can be presented as a table, graphs, diagrams or computer graphics. Each representation must support the original theory.

Conclusions

When the results are in and have been presented in meaningful ways, conclusions can be drawn. A conclusion involves interpreting the results, recognizing any patterns present and describing what those patterns and interpretations mean in reality. Any modeling or prediction must be converted into a meaningful, reasoned conclusion. The conclusions of single experiments can be developed into predictions of entire behaviors and further ideas about testing.

Law Formation

One of the main aims in science is to discover and prove new laws that explain how things work. When two or three models are formulated based on initial observations, and the theory is successfully tested, the different models can be drawn together. An example of a single concept law is the First Law of Thermodynamics. An example of a merged set of theories is the “grand unified theory,” a description of the universe that ties together everything we already know.

Related Articles

Why Should We Make Multiple Trials of an Experiment?
What Is the Next Step if an Experiment Fails to Confirm...
Five Characteristics of the Scientific Method
Why Should We Make Multiple Trials of an Experiment?
How to Write a Summary on a Science Project
Kinds of Reasoning in Geometry
Difference Between Proposition & Hypothesis
Types of Observation in the Scientific Method
Steps & Procedures for Conducting Scientific Research
What Is a Constant in the Scientific Method?
Research Methods in Science
The Differences Between Concepts, Theories & Paradigms
Characteristics of Modern Science
The Importance of Hypothesis Testing
Two Benefits of Using Models to Represent Scientific...
Why Should You Only Test for One Variable at a Time...
Essential Tenets of the Scientific Method
5 Components of a Well-Designed Scientific Experiment
Importance of an EIA in Environmental Protection

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!