Carmi Schoeman
Student Number: 67730981
NST1502
Assignment 1: 816092
Due: 18 May 2021
1
, Table of contents
Question 1 _____________________________________ pg 3
Question 2 _____________________________________ pg 4
Question 3 _____________________________________ pg 4
Question 4 _____________________________________ pg 7
Question 5 _____________________________________ pg 8
Question 6 _____________________________________ pg 9
Question 7 _____________________________________ pg 10
Declaration _____________________________________ pg 11
References _____________________________________ pg 11
2
, Question 1
Define the following terms:
1.1.1 Scientific method
The scientific method which is used by scientists during experiments is known as a
series of steps that are used to solve a problem or answer a question as stated by a
scientist. This method or process consists of 5 steps namely:
1. Observation
2. Research - questions
3. Hypothesis
4. Design experiment
5. Record and analyse experiment results- draw a conclusion
1.1.2 Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an possible scientific explanation of a set of observations that is
stated in a way that makes it testable. The hypothesis is states as a possible answer
to a question which still needs to be tested to prove its accuracy. It is a prediction
that has not yet be proven or disproven.
1.1.3 Theory
A theory is a broad comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true and is
supported by considerable evidence. A theory can be formed after a hypothesis has
been tested and supported by evidence.
1.1.4 Independent variable
Independent variable are variable which the scientist will deliberately change during
the experiment to influence or vary the results of the experiment.
1.1.5 Dependent variable
The dependent variable are the variables that are observed or measured during the
experiment, or the data that is collected as a result of the changes in the
independent variable.
1.2 Discuss the steps of the scientific method.
There are 5 steps in the scientific method that are used to solve a problem:
Step 1: Make an observation.
What is it you want to learn about? Find a topic or a problem that needs solving or an
explanation for an event taking place.
Step 2: Ask a question.
Do research about the topic or the problem, ask the questions what, where, who,
when and why.
3
Student Number: 67730981
NST1502
Assignment 1: 816092
Due: 18 May 2021
1
, Table of contents
Question 1 _____________________________________ pg 3
Question 2 _____________________________________ pg 4
Question 3 _____________________________________ pg 4
Question 4 _____________________________________ pg 7
Question 5 _____________________________________ pg 8
Question 6 _____________________________________ pg 9
Question 7 _____________________________________ pg 10
Declaration _____________________________________ pg 11
References _____________________________________ pg 11
2
, Question 1
Define the following terms:
1.1.1 Scientific method
The scientific method which is used by scientists during experiments is known as a
series of steps that are used to solve a problem or answer a question as stated by a
scientist. This method or process consists of 5 steps namely:
1. Observation
2. Research - questions
3. Hypothesis
4. Design experiment
5. Record and analyse experiment results- draw a conclusion
1.1.2 Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an possible scientific explanation of a set of observations that is
stated in a way that makes it testable. The hypothesis is states as a possible answer
to a question which still needs to be tested to prove its accuracy. It is a prediction
that has not yet be proven or disproven.
1.1.3 Theory
A theory is a broad comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true and is
supported by considerable evidence. A theory can be formed after a hypothesis has
been tested and supported by evidence.
1.1.4 Independent variable
Independent variable are variable which the scientist will deliberately change during
the experiment to influence or vary the results of the experiment.
1.1.5 Dependent variable
The dependent variable are the variables that are observed or measured during the
experiment, or the data that is collected as a result of the changes in the
independent variable.
1.2 Discuss the steps of the scientific method.
There are 5 steps in the scientific method that are used to solve a problem:
Step 1: Make an observation.
What is it you want to learn about? Find a topic or a problem that needs solving or an
explanation for an event taking place.
Step 2: Ask a question.
Do research about the topic or the problem, ask the questions what, where, who,
when and why.
3
