3.1: What to Expect

This chapter discusses the types of experiments that are used to implement the scientific method in practice. The realities of the mechanisms involved, along with the form of the hypotheses being studied, determine the circumstances under which observations should be made to determine the truth of a hypothesis. In some cases, the proper form of an experiment is impossible, impractical, or unethical to use in practice, and the corresponding effect that this can have on the veracity of the conclusions based on using the scientific method need to be carefully investigated. This chapter also discusses instances where unethical experiments were used in the twentieth century. By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Discuss, define, and contrast designed experiments and observational studies.
2. Define factor, response, treatment group, and control group.
3. Identify factors by which an experiment can be considered unethical.
4. Critically analyze the experimental design used in a research article.

---