scientific_investigation [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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A **scientific investigation** is a systematic [[process]] used by scientists to study the natural world, answer [[question]]s, and test [[hypotheses]]. It involves making [[observation]]s, forming a [[research question]], developing a [[hypothesis]], designing and conducting [[experiment]]s, collecting and analyzing [[data]], and drawing [[conclusion]]s. 

Scientific investigations follow the **scientific method**, which includes the following steps:

1. **Observation** – Identifying a phenomenon or problem.

2. **Question** – Formulating a specific research question.

3. **Hypothesis** – Proposing a testable explanation.

4. **[[Experimentation]]** – Designing and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis.

5. **[[Data Collection]] & Analysis** – Gathering and analyzing data to identify patterns or correlations.

6. **Conclusion** – Determine whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected.

7. **Communication** – Sharing findings with the scientific community for peer review.

Scientific investigations can be **experimental**, where variables are controlled and manipulated, or **descriptive/observational**, where data is collected without manipulation of variables.