Final answer:
Experimentation is a crucial part of the scientific method and should be included in a strategic plan. It allows scientists to test hypotheses and establish cause-and-effect relationships, with larger sample sizes generally providing more reliable data.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that you should make sure experimentation is ingrained in your strategic plan. Experimentation is a fundamental component of the scientific method. It allows for the testing of hypotheses under controlled conditions to validate cause-and-effect relationships. Not all data that does not support a hypothesis is useless; such data can provide insights and guide future research directions. Moreover, experimentation is not the only valid type of scientific investigation; observational studies and other methods also contribute valuable knowledge. It is important to note that experiments can be done on humans, following strict ethical guidelines. Sample size is another critical factor; generally, larger sample sizes provide more reliable data than smaller ones, reducing the likelihood that observed effects are due to chance.
A clear example of experimentation in practice is when you test a hypothesis by observing and measuring specific outcomes, such as the number of healthy versus deformed frogs in the presence of a particular chemical in water. The results of such experiments can either support or refute the hypothesis. The iterative nature of science means that experiments are often repeated to ensure the reliability of the findings, and statistical measures like the P-value help determine the significance of the results.
Ultimately, communication of findings to the wider scientific community is essential, allowing peer review and further investigation. This communication often occurs through scientific publications or presentations at conferences. Both physical and computer-based models can be instrumental in testing hypotheses and are integral to the scientific process.