Final answer:
The scientific method steps align with the process of problem-solving by making observations, asking questions, conducting research, formulating hypotheses, and testing them. Testing another appliance, like a coffeemaker, can verify or disprove the initial hypothesis about an electrical outlet issue. If disproven, alternative hypotheses such as a faulty appliance should be considered.
Step-by-step explanation:
To match the scientific method steps with the process of solving an everyday problem, one would proceed as follows:
- Make observations. - This would correspond with noticing that a device is not working, which is an observation that leads to the hypothesis.
- Identify a question based on the observation. - The question might be 'Why isn't the device working?'
- Conduct research. - Gathering information about the device's requirements and the electrical outlet's functioning.
- Form a hypothesis. - This is represented by statement 'a': There is something wrong with the electrical outlet.
- Test the hypothesis. - You would perform a test by trying another appliance in the outlet as in statement 'b': If something is wrong with the outlet, my coffeemaker also won't work when plugged into it.
Based on the results of the test, one can determine if the hypothesis is correct. If the coffeemaker works, the hypothesis is incorrect, suggesting alternative hypotheses such as a faulty device cord or internal device failure.
In science, a hypothesis may become a scientific law if it is consistently not violated by natural phenomena. Testing hypotheses is fundamental to scientific progress and refining our understanding of the natural universe.