Bridget wants to design an experiment. Which set of steps is in the correct order?
1. Identify the question or problem.
2. Conduct background research.
3. Formulate a hypothesis.
4. Design the experiment.
5. Conduct the experiment.
6. Collect and analyze data.
7. Draw conclusions.
To design an experiment, Bridget can follow these steps in the correct order:
1. Identify the research question or problem: This step involves clearly defining the purpose of the experiment and what Bridget intends to investigate.
2. Conduct background research: Bridget should gather information about existing studies or knowledge related to her research question. This will help her understand the current findings and refine her experiment's design.
3. Formulate a hypothesis: Bridget needs to create a clear and testable statement that predicts the relationship between the variables she will investigate in the experiment.
4. Identify and define the independent and dependent variables: Bridget should determine the key factors or conditions that she will manipulate (independent variables) and measure (dependent variables) in her experiment.
5. Determine the control group and experimental groups: Bridget needs to identify a control group, which will not be exposed to any special treatment, and one or more experimental groups that will receive the manipulated variables.
6. Design the procedure: Bridget should plan the step-by-step instructions for conducting the experiment, including how and when to measure the dependent variables, how to manipulate the independent variables, and any necessary precautions.
7. Collect and analyze data: Bridget will perform the experiment as planned, record the measurements and observations, and then analyze the data using appropriate statistical methods.
8. Draw conclusions: Bridget should interpret the results based on the data analysis and evaluate whether the findings support or reject her hypothesis. She should also discuss any limitations or potential errors in the experiment.
9. Communicate the results: Bridget should share her experiment's findings with others through a scientific report, presentation, or other appropriate means.
By following these steps in the correct order, Bridget can design and conduct a well-structured experiment.