1) Knowledge
Ability to form a hypothesis depends on how much we know.
2) Experimentation
Experiments must have a control (double-blinded testing) but sometimes controls cannot be set up.
3) Analysis of results
Results must be examined with great care, to prevent a faulty hypothesis from forming. When many experiments are performed and they support the hypothesis, it can then be called a theory.
If this theory is proved in all conditions, it’s then called a law or principle.
4) Experiments
Must be:
- Planned
- Safe
- Use large sample size
- Only one condition tested
- Identical experiment set up for comparison, (control)
- Must be exactly described and repeated many times
- Conclusions must be given
