1. The body of knowledge and rules/laws/theories we have discovered regarding the natural world.

2. The method of discovery and confirmation used by scientists. Classically we describe this process as the "Scientific Method" summarized in the steps below:

   • Identify a problem based on initial observations

   • Make a hypothesis (a tentative, testable, explanation of the observations)

     • Collect data via planned Observations and/or Experiments ("asking nature a question")

       • "Clean" simple experiments vs. statistical inference

       • Controls - everything the same except the variable of interest.

• The remaining steps are noted below:

  • Analyze and Evaluate results - modify hypothesis if necessary, and repeat data collections etc.

  • Create a theory (an explanation of observations consistant with results of experiments etc.)

    • The theory is a "model of reality"

Significant figures:

For measurements we want to be sure we convey the precision (repeatability) of our measurements using significant figures. [covered in lab & problem set] You should note a couple of aspects of significant figures

What is the last digit?

What is the last digit?

© R A Paselk

Last modified 25 January 2013