Geology – Scientific Method

Everyone is a scientist and uses the scientific method in making everyday decisions. For example, in buying a watermelon, one makes the hypothesis that melons that exhibit certain characteristics will taste good. Qualitative observations are made utilizing personal experience, or upon the advice of others considered knowledgeable about the subject. Prominent features are evaluated, such as a melon’s color, ability to carry vibrations, firmness, lack of black or soft spots, as well as the melon’s size and price. Based on the hypothesis and these observations, the prediction is made concerning the quality of the watermelon. The experimentation, data collection, and data analysis come in the eating. If the watermelon is good, the hypothesis has been supported. If it is bad, the hypothesis is reevaluated, determining what factors may not have been considered. The results are always communicated, as people invariably comment on the equality of any watermelon they are eating.

Writer – Describe an everyday decision–making situation in which you used cellphones or tablets (like the previous watermelon example). What was your hypothesis? Explain how and why this prediction came to be. How did you test your hypothesis, or in other words, how did you collect and analyze the data? Was your hypothesis supported? If not, how would you revise it for the next situation? Did you communicate your results?