There are many steps of the scientific method; problem, research, hypothesis, materials, methods, observations, analysis, and conclusion. It is important to follow these steps efficiently and effectively so that mistakes aren’t made when developing your lab report. If you’re not careful while following a step of the scientific method, your analysis can become inaccurate and also show that your evidence is wrong. Most of the common mistakes are made when creating your hypothesis, observations, and conclusion.
One common mistake that can be made in a lab is including your inferences in your observations. Using inferences will give you false evidence and incorrect reasoning to support your data. This mistake was demonstrated by Activity Three-Why Things Burn. During this activity, a candle was lit with a …show more content…
However, after the class shared their observations, the teacher bit the “candle”. We didn’t realize that the “candle” was actually an apple. If we used “candle” in our observations and used it to support our data, we would’ve given the wrong information causing the entire analysis to become inaccurate. To avoid this, use the words “the object appeared to be an” or “the fluid seemed like” so that you know that the object is unknown and that you are making an assumption about what it is. A good observation should include your 5 senses; touch, smell, taste, hear and sight. Using all five of your senses will allow you to gain more information on what happened during the experiment. However, you must be careful when you’re using the senses smell and sight. Working with chemicals, liquids and objects can remind you of other things you may have encountered in the past. Don’t mix this up with what you are currently observing because it will cause you to put inferences in your observations. The same thing goes for using sight. It is very common to mix up your prior knowledge with something you are currently observing. Just like the example with the
One common mistake that can be made in a lab is including your inferences in your observations. Using inferences will give you false evidence and incorrect reasoning to support your data. This mistake was demonstrated by Activity Three-Why Things Burn. During this activity, a candle was lit with a …show more content…
However, after the class shared their observations, the teacher bit the “candle”. We didn’t realize that the “candle” was actually an apple. If we used “candle” in our observations and used it to support our data, we would’ve given the wrong information causing the entire analysis to become inaccurate. To avoid this, use the words “the object appeared to be an” or “the fluid seemed like” so that you know that the object is unknown and that you are making an assumption about what it is. A good observation should include your 5 senses; touch, smell, taste, hear and sight. Using all five of your senses will allow you to gain more information on what happened during the experiment. However, you must be careful when you’re using the senses smell and sight. Working with chemicals, liquids and objects can remind you of other things you may have encountered in the past. Don’t mix this up with what you are currently observing because it will cause you to put inferences in your observations. The same thing goes for using sight. It is very common to mix up your prior knowledge with something you are currently observing. Just like the example with the