Controlling variables is based on identifying and managing the conditions that may influence a situation or event. In order to test the effect of fertilizer on plant growth, all other factors which may be important in plant growth must be identified and controlled so that the effect of the fertilizer can be determined. This important process is based on finding a pattern in a collection of data. It leads to a generalization. Models are used to represent an object, event, or process.
Scientific knowledge is generated by, and used for, asking questions concerning the natural world.
Quantitative methods are frequently employed. It is examining scientific ideas and concepts to determine their essence or meaning. Determining whether a hypothesis is tenable requires analysis. Determining which amino acid sequence produces insulin requires analysis. Designing experiments involves planning a series of data-gathering operations which will provide a basis for testing a hypothesis or answering a question.