How to Get Started

Now that you have selected a topic and formed a group, it’s time to embark on your scientific research project.  This journey begins with a solid understanding of the Scientific Method, a dynamic yet structured process that promotes clarity, accuracy, and reliability in scientific exploration.

While the process allows for flexibility, it follows a series of essential steps designed to guide your investigation.  Below are the foundational steps of the Scientific Method to help you get started:

1. Start with a Question

Begin with a question that genuinely interests you.  The more personal and meaningful the topic is, the more engaging and rewarding your research will be.  Choose a question that sparks curiosity and connects to your own experiences or aspirations.

2. Conduct Background Research

Gather foundational knowledge to guide your project.  Utilize available resources such as online databases, academic journals, textbooks, and conversations with professors.  Your research should include at least three peer-reviewed and reliable references to form the basis of your project introduction and background.  Start your search with our library’s resources.  Proper research at this stage ensures you’re well-prepared for the next steps.

3. Construct a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable statement derived from your background research.  It must clearly outline the relationship you aim to explore and be capable of being proven wrong.

• Example: If you’re exploring how sleep affects resting heart rate, your null hypothesis could state, “Sleep does not affect heart rate”, while your alternative hypothesis might state, “Sleep decreases heart rate”.
• Refine your hypothesis based on your research to ensure specificity and testability. Remember, a hypothesis is not a question and should be supported by evidence from your background research.

4. Design Experiments to Test Your Hypothesis

Craft experiments designed to disprove rather than prove your hypotheses.  This approach minimizes bias and aligns with scientific rigor.  Keep the following in mind:

• Your experiments must include a control group (unchanged conditions) to compare against experimental results.
• Address potential biases and design methods to minimize them.
• Ensure your study is experimental, using quantifiable data rather than observational methods.
• Consider practical limitations like time and available equipment to ensure your experiments are feasible.

5. Record and Analyze Data

Tips for successful data collection and analysis:

• Plan Ahead: Outline your data analysis strategy before conducting experiments to ensure appropriate and accurate use of statistical methods.
• Use Equipment Correctly: Calibrate and test all equipment prior to use to ensure accuracy and to avoid errors caused by noise.
• Stay Organized: Record and organize your data carefully to support clear and meaningful interpretation.
• Seek Support: Refer to the POPS Project Statistical Help document for guidance and don’t hesitate to ask your instructor for help with equipment or analysis.

6. Draw Conclusions and Communicate Findings

Use your analysis to form objective conclusions, whether your hypotheses are supported or not.  Organize your findings into a format that is clear and engaging, preparing to share your results for peer review.  This review process allows others to critique your work constructively, which is essential for refining your conclusions and improving the scientific process.