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!