Question

The scientific method can be described as a circle or a spiral of steps that lead from an initial observation to a hypothesis, to new observations, to a new hypothesis. Observation 1: Some students consistently choose to sit in the front of the classroom, and others sit in the rear.

a. State a hypothesis that offers a possible explanation for the observed behavior in Observation 1. The hypothesis does not have to be elaborate; simply identify a variable that could explain differences in observed behavior.

b. Briefly explain how your hypothesis could be empirically tested. Use your hypothesis to predict what should be found if you made a series of systematic, planned observations.

c. Explain if the observation, hypothesis, and testing process involves inductive or deductive reasoning and why.

Answer 1

Some students consistently choose to sit in the front of the classroom, and others sit in the rear.

A -

1. Whether a student is suffering from nearsightedness or farsightedness can explain the seating position of student

2. The time before which a student leaves for a class can explain the seating position of student

3. The interest in the subject of the class of a student can explain the seating position of student

B -

1.

- Divide the students in two groups - one sitting in front and the others sitting in back.

- Calculate proportion of nearsighted and farsighted students in both the groups

- The proportion of nearsighted students should be significantly higher in the group sitting in front than the group sitting at back. Similarly, the proportion of farsighted students should be significantly higher in the group sitting in back than that of the group sitting in front

2.

- Divide the students in two groups - one sitting in front and the others sitting in back.

- Calculate mean leaving time before the class for both the groups

- The mean leaving time before the class is significantly higher for the group sitting in back than that of the group sitting in front

3.

- Divide the students in two groups - one sitting in front and the others sitting in back.

- Calculate mean interest in the subject for both the groups

- The mean interest in the subject is significantly higher for the group sitting in front than that of the group sitting in back

C -

The above experiment involves deductive reasoning because here, we formulate a hypothesis and based on the results of the experiment, reach a logical conclusion