SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY

 INTRODUCTION 

Scientific inquiry refers to the many methods through which scientists examine the natural world and provide explanations based on data gained from their research. Inquiry also refers to student activities that help them gain knowledge and comprehension of scientific principles, as well as a grasp of how scientists explore the natural world. It entails thorough observation, as well as applying rigorous skepticism to what is observed, because cognitive preconceptions might alter how one perceives the observation. It entails creating hypotheses based on such observations through induction; experimental and measurement-based testing of deductions made from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings. These are principles of the scientific method. When examine an issue with scientific inquiry, we must follow a structure such as ask questions, hypothesize and predict, test hypothesis, analyze results, draw conclusions, communicate results and carry out further scientific inquiry.

TESTING A HYPOTHESIS

 Hypothesis testing is a formal technique for utilizing statistics to investigate our assumptions about the world. It is most commonly employed by scientists to examine particular predictions derived from theories, known as hypotheses. Hypothesis has two parts that are Null hypothesis and Alternative hypothesis. Null hypothesis is conjecture the relevance hypothesis is wrong. Conjecture the hypothesis as true is the alternative hypothesis

 EXAMPLE DISCUSSION 

A geologist studying coastal deposits in Washington State was taken aback when he discovered a grove of dead cedar trees along the shore. A substantial number of them were still standing, although they had plainly been dead for many years. When we consider this matter according to scientific inquiry, we must create questions and ask questions. “What would have killed so many trees?, Did those trees died at the same time?, Is that any biological reason or a human work?, Are there any dreadful ingredients in salty water?” those are some of questions. We must consider all of the questions one by one.

Using the carbon 14 radiometric method researchers found that the trees were died about 300 years ago. The trees had not burned. Then what was the reason? Scientists began to think the possibility of trees being destroyed by salty water. And also there were an earthquake in 1964. The salt water level has risen due to the earthquake. Then they thought that the trees might have been submerged in seawater. When they check the soil, there was sand under the soil layer. So, there must be a Tsunami or tidal waves. Since finding fossils from the sand layer it supports to the tsunami hypothesis. 

 When arguing two things it helps two types of laws called modus tollens and modus ponens. Modus tollens simply explain as,

If P,

 then Q If not Q, 

then not P. 

And also modus ponens simply explain as, 

If A, then B.

 So A, 

Therefore B. 

In this example, modus tollens law helps to solve the problem. Scientific inquiry is untenable for few reasons. These constraints are predicated on the need that a theory be testable and falsifiable, as well as that experiments and observations be reproducible. As a result, certain issues are outside the scope of the scientific method. Science cannot establish or disprove God's or any other supernatural entity's existence.

 CONCLUSION

 Scientific inquiry is a model of solving problems. It helps us to make reports in a unique way. Making questions, make hypothesis, find evidence, use theories, test hypothesis, analyze results and many of parts including in the scientific inquiry.

K. K. D. Sudeshika. (DS1254)

dilshinisudeshika@gmail.com