A Beginner's Guide to Scientific Method

by Stephen S. Carey

This concise yet comprehensive guide provides an introduction to the scientific method of inquiry. You will not only learn about the proper conduct of science but also how to recognize and question factors such as pseudoscience, untestable explanations and fallacies. Compact enough to be used as a supplementary book, yet comprehensive enough in its coverage to be used as a core book, this book assists users in using the scientific method to design and assess experiments.

Genres: Science, Philosophy, Scientific Method, Nonfiction, School

160 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1993

Reviews

[Kopesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good introductory textbook on scientific method. It is concise, yet quite powerful in lubricating your mental cog wheels. Of course, it is a starting book for anyone who desires a career In science, and should be regarded as such. Thus, it should serve as a jumping platform towards more explicit and powerful books detailing the scientific method.
All in all, an exquisite piece of work. Buy it if you can.

[Pietro Gambarotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this book to be a good introduction to the scientific method and a suitable tool for science didactics. Chapter 5 is about ways to establish causal links and could be a useful introduction for those who need a simple yet effective glimpse into how to use statistical inference in science.

One quick remark : I would have spent a few pages to explain how real common research is rarely a step-by-step method, but different steps frequently follow an unpredictable (and chaotic) order.

[d1gital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Important knowledge. Wish there were more “beginners guide” with this style of exposure.

[Pepito Benegas · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Trinity Schwind]

Read for Keith Korcz Phil 201 course. How To Think About Weird Things

[Manikya Ramesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is what I was looking for.. it tells about the basic principles of scientific method which no other book mentions about, in simple way.
Other books assume the reader is well versed about these principles and directly deal with practical methods. As a result they are hard to grasp and digest. Many researchers are compelled to do research without any understanding.
My suggestion is -
Build a solid foundation by reading this book first. Then read any other advanced Book in scientific research.