why is planning experiments important to scientists study?

Answer 1

without planning, they'd be wasting millions of dollars through trial and error.

Answer 2

The simplest answer is that some scientific theories can only be proven by direct experimentation. This is specifically because mathematics, the chief tool of science, is not an absolutely perfect predictor of physical reality. It has its limits.

As a result, some things can only be resolved by evidence revealed by carefully designed experiments.

An example is the evidence for evolution. Mathematics alone isn't enough in such inquiries. Experiments and long term observations are necessary to resolve questions like that to see if the theory matches the observed evidence. If not, then science has to change its course and beliefs according to the evidence.

Good science cannot be done without experiments, but sometimes experiments are not always possible in terms of the current technology in existence at the time, so we have to wait a few years to catch up to the task, as is the case with string theory and other exotic multidimensional theories.

Todays high-tech experiments are so often extremely expensive, that they require good planning to get the best results within their budgets.

 

Answer 3

For the same reason it's important to create a plan for building cars, buildings, etc.

While chance favors the prepared mind and many great inventions where found by chance (teflon, nutrisweet, microwave oven, ...), we can't always rely on chance.

putting together and experiment is very much like drawing the plans for a house. You don't just walk on a vacant lot with some tools and a checkbook.

Answer 4

Most subjects of scientific investigation have multiple variables, each of which has a distribution of values. Experiments are carefully planned to isolate variables and to minimize measurement uncertainties. A well planned experiment gives reproducible results.

Answer 5

As an old Physics Prof once told me:
"No matter how ill-advised, poorly planned, and badly executed an experiment may be, it is never a total failure so long as it is well documented. If nothing else, it can always serve admirably as a bad example." ☺


Doug

Answer 6

so the scientists know how they got the result.