what makes a good scientific question?

what makes a good scientific question?

4 hours ago 2
Nature

What Makes a Good Scientific Question?

A good scientific question is the foundation of meaningful research and discovery. Here are the key characteristics that make a scientific question effective:

1. Clear and Focused

  • The question should be specific and unambiguous.
  • It should clearly define what you want to investigate without being too broad or vague.

2. Testable and Measurable

  • A good scientific question must be answerable through experiments or observations.
  • It should involve variables that can be measured or quantified.

3. Relevant and Significant

  • The question should address a gap in current knowledge or solve a real-world problem.
  • It should contribute to the advancement of science or practical applications.

4. Based on Existing Knowledge

  • It should build upon what is already known, often inspired by previous research or observations.
  • This helps in formulating hypotheses and designing experiments.

5. Ethical and Feasible

  • The question should be answerable within ethical guidelines.
  • It should be practical in terms of available resources, time, and technology.

Example of a Good Scientific Question

  • "How does the concentration of salt in water affect the rate of evaporation at room temperature?"

This question is clear, testable, relevant, and measurable. If you'd like, I can help you craft a scientific question based on a specific topic you're interested in!

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