History of Astronomy

Astronomy 1100




History of
Astronomy




LECTURE 1

, I. SCIENTIFIC
D e f i n i t i o n :

METHOD: A systematic technique to
scientific research that
involves formulating
hypotheses, conducting
experiments or observations
to test a hypotheses, and
drawing conclusions based
on evidence.
If there are no contradictions
are found, it is physical law.


STEPS INVOLVED IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD:
1. Observation: In this stage, a researcher must first determine
what they will study. AKA Theory Construction. Once the
topic has been chosen, a review of existing literature or
research must be done in order to gain insight into what has
been tested and what questions remains unanswered. This in
return will help formulate a research question.

2. Question: Once background research and observation were
made, the next step is asking a scientific question that can be
tested, measurable and defined.

Independent Variable: AKA The cause, a variable that
you manipulate or control in an experimental study to
test the effects on the dependent variable. Explains
Dependent Variable: AKA The effect, a variable that
“depends” on the independent variable. It is the variable
that is being measured in response to changes in the
independent variable.