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THE SCIENTIFIC
METHOD
The importance of precise questions
W H AT I S T H E S C I E N T I F I C
METHOD?
 The scientific method is a method of procedure used in scientific investigation. It is
comprised of systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, along with the formulation,
testing and adaptation of hypotheses.
 In order for a method of inquiry to be termed scientific, it needs to be based on empirical
and measurable evidence and be subject to specific principals of reasoning.
 What defines the scientific method in comparison to other methods of inquiry is that it
allows theories to be proved or disproved by the reality being investigated. This is surmised by
the statement Feynman makes in his lecture:
“It doesn’t make a difference how beautiful your guess is, it doesn’t make a difference how smart
you are, who made the guess, or what his name is, if it disagrees with experiment, it’s wrong”
U S E S A N D P R AC T I C A L
A P P L I C AT I O N S O F T H E S C I E N T I F I C
METHOD
 The scientific method is used in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and, to a
certain degree, in psychology and social sciences.
 However the scientific method also has several everyday practical applications and it
can be used in any task which has a goal, model, data, evaluation and revision of the
model.
For example, cooking from a recipe. The goal is to cook a meal, the model is the recipe,
the data is tastings while cooking, this is then evaluated. If it works then the recipe is
correct, if it doesn’t then modifications are made to the recipe.

 Unless the experiment includes all these five stages, it is not scientific.
THE SCIENTIFIC PROCESS
 The scientific method starts with a hypothesis or guess. For example, flowers
grow better in the shade than in the sun.
 Then we compute the outcome or consequences of the guess through
experimentation. In the example the experiment would be to create two identical
plant pots with seeds in each and place them in the sun and shade, respectively.
 Finally we compare this outcome to experiment. If the two are in accord then
we have an acceptable theory. If not, the theory is wrong and must be adjusted to fit
the experimental facts. In the example the theory would be contradicted by
experiment and must be amended as such.
BENEFITS AND CRITICISMS OF
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Benefits

Criticisms

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The scientific method

  • 2. W H AT I S T H E S C I E N T I F I C METHOD?  The scientific method is a method of procedure used in scientific investigation. It is comprised of systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, along with the formulation, testing and adaptation of hypotheses.  In order for a method of inquiry to be termed scientific, it needs to be based on empirical and measurable evidence and be subject to specific principals of reasoning.  What defines the scientific method in comparison to other methods of inquiry is that it allows theories to be proved or disproved by the reality being investigated. This is surmised by the statement Feynman makes in his lecture: “It doesn’t make a difference how beautiful your guess is, it doesn’t make a difference how smart you are, who made the guess, or what his name is, if it disagrees with experiment, it’s wrong”
  • 3. U S E S A N D P R AC T I C A L A P P L I C AT I O N S O F T H E S C I E N T I F I C METHOD  The scientific method is used in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology and, to a certain degree, in psychology and social sciences.  However the scientific method also has several everyday practical applications and it can be used in any task which has a goal, model, data, evaluation and revision of the model. For example, cooking from a recipe. The goal is to cook a meal, the model is the recipe, the data is tastings while cooking, this is then evaluated. If it works then the recipe is correct, if it doesn’t then modifications are made to the recipe.  Unless the experiment includes all these five stages, it is not scientific.
  • 4. THE SCIENTIFIC PROCESS  The scientific method starts with a hypothesis or guess. For example, flowers grow better in the shade than in the sun.  Then we compute the outcome or consequences of the guess through experimentation. In the example the experiment would be to create two identical plant pots with seeds in each and place them in the sun and shade, respectively.  Finally we compare this outcome to experiment. If the two are in accord then we have an acceptable theory. If not, the theory is wrong and must be adjusted to fit the experimental facts. In the example the theory would be contradicted by experiment and must be amended as such.
  • 5. BENEFITS AND CRITICISMS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD Benefits Criticisms