The general process of inquiry begins with finding and asking questions. After finding the questions, I make assumptions about the answers to the questions according to my existing knowledge and life experience. I design the inquiry scheme, including selecting materials, designing methods and steps, etc. I make an inquiry according to the inquiry scheme, get the results, and then analyze whether the obtained results are consistent with the assumptions, so as to draw a conclusion. Not all the questions are explored at one time to get the correct conclusions. Sometimes, Because the method of inquiry is not perfect, it may lead to wrong conclusions. Therefore, after the conclusion is reached, it is necessary to reflect on the whole inquiry process. The general methods and steps of inquiry experiment are: asking questions, making assumptions, making plans, implementing plans, drawing conclusions, expressing and communicating.
The common methods of scientific inquiry are observation, experiment, investigation and data analysis.
Observation is a basic method of scientific inquiry. Scientific observation can be made directly with the naked eye, with the help of magnifying glasses, microscopes, cameras, video recorders, camcorders and other tools, and sometimes measurement is needed. Scientific observation should have a clear purpose; The observation should be comprehensive, meticulous and realistic, and recorded in time; Be planned and patient; Think positively and record in time; It is necessary to exchange views and discuss. The design of the experimental scheme should closely focus on the questions and assumptions raised. When studying the influence of a condition on the research object, the experiments with the same conditions except this condition are called control experiments. General steps: find and ask questions; Collect information related to the problem; Make assumptions; Design the experimental scheme; Carry out experiments and record them; Analyze experimental phenomena; Draw a conclusion. Investigation is one of the commonly used methods of scientific inquiry. When investigating, we must first make clear the purpose and objects of investigation and formulate a reasonable investigation plan. Sometimes, because of the large scope of investigation, we must select some objects as samples during the investigation. We must record them truthfully during the investigation. We must sort out and analyze the results of the investigation. Sometimes it is necessary to use mathematical methods to make statistics. Collecting and analyzing data is also one of the common methods of scientific inquiry. There are many ways to collect data. Go to the library to consult books, periodicals and newspapers, visit relevant people, and collect them online. The forms of data include words, pictures, data, audio-visual materials, etc. The obtained data should be sorted out and analyzed to find answers.