Scientific Method

The scientific method is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century. It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation. It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; experimental and measurement-based testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings. These are principles of the scien The scientific method is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century. It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation. It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; experimental and measurement-based testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings. These are principles of the scientific method, as distinguished from a definitive series of steps applicable to all scientific enterprises.

Though diverse models for the scientific method are available, there is in general a continuous process that includes observations about the natural world. People are naturally inquisitive, so they often come up with questions about things they see or hear, and they often develop ideas or hypotheses about why things are the way they are. The best hypotheses lead to predictions that can be tested in various ways. The most conclusive testing of hypotheses comes from reasoning based on carefully controlled experimental data. Depending on how well additional tests match the predictions, the original hypothesis may require refinement, alteration, expansion or even rejection. If a particular hypothesis becomes very well supported, a general theory may be developed.

Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another, they are frequently the same from one to another. The process of the scientific method involves making conjectures (hypotheses), deriving predictions from them as logical consequences, and then carrying out experiments or empirical observations based on those predictions. A hypothesis is a conjecture, based on knowledge obtained while seeking answers to the question. The hypothesis might be very specific, or it might be broad. Scientists then test hypotheses by conducting experiments or studies. A scientific hypothesis must be falsifiable, implying that it is possible to identify a possible outcome of an experiment or observation that conflicts with predictions deduced from the hypothesis; otherwise, the hypothesis cannot be meaningfully tested. ...more

Scientific Method Books

Mesmerized: How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark

Ada Twist, Scientist (The Questioneers (Picture Books) #3)

Thomas Jefferson's Battle for Science: Bias, Truth, and a Mighty Moose!

Women in Biology (Science Wide Open, #1)

Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure: A STEM Picture Book About Confidence and Helping Forest Animals for Children (Ages 4-7)

Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner

More scientific method books...

Lists

Signature in the Cell by Stephen C. Meyer

The Design of Life by William A. Dembski

Best Books against Darwinism

200 books — 61 voters

Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished by Camille Andros

Ada Twist, Scientist (The Questioneers by Andrea Beaty

Picture Books (Fiction) - Science

3 books — 2 voters

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard P. Feynman

What Do You Care What Other People Think? Further Adventures ... by Richard P. Feynman

The Removable Root Cause of Cancers and other Chronic Diseases by Paul Ola

Algorithms to Live By by Brian Christian

100 Books about Science and Engineering for Grown-Ups

122 books — 36 voters

Related Genres

Nonfiction
Science
History Of Science
Research Methods
Empiricism

Researching
Scientific Theory
Scieñce
Sciençe

Featured News & Interviews

New Voices Alert! 51 New & Upcoming Debut Novels

Read »

Quotes Tagged “Scientific Method”

“ The whole [scientific] process resembles biological evolution. A problem is like an ecological niche, and a theory is like a gene or a species which is being tested for viability in that niche. ”
― David Deutsch, The Fabric of Reality: The Science of Parallel Universes--and Its Implications

25 likes

“ Whereas a novice makes moves until he gets checkmated (proof), a Grand Master realizes 20 moves in advance that it’s futile to continue playing (conceptualizing). ”
― Bill Gaede

7 likes

More quotes...

Videos Tagged “Scientific Method”

Crash Test Girl by Kari Byron

ARISTOTLE