NATURE OF SCIENCE AND THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

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 WHAT IS SCIENCE

Most scientists would not say that science leads to an understanding of the truth. Science is a determination of what is most likely to be correct at the current time with the evidence at our disposal. Scientific explanations can be inferred from confirmable data only, and observations and experiments must be reproducible and verifiable by other individuals. In other words, good science is based on information that can be measured or seen and verified by other scientists. Explanations that cannot be based on empirical evidence are not a part of science (National Academy of Sciences, 1998). 


SCIENTIFIC METHOD 

Throughout the past millennium, there has been a realization by leading thinkers that the acquisition of knowledge can be performed in such a way as to minimize inconsistent conclusions. Rene Descartes established the framework of the scientific method in 1619, and his first step is seen as a guiding principle for many in the field of science today.

Observation 

The first process in the scientific method involves the observation of a phenomenon, event, or “problem.” The discovery of such a phenomenon may occur due to an interest on the observer’s part, a suggestion or assignment, or it may be an annoyance that one wishes to resolve.

Question 

Observation leads to a question that needs to be answered to satisfy human curiosity about the observation, such as why or how this event happened or what it is like (as in the light beam). In order to develop this question, observation may involve taking measures to quantify it in order to better describe it. Scientific questions need to be answerable and lead to the formation of a hypothesis about the problem.

Hypothesis 

To answer a question, a hypothesis will be formed. This is an educated guess regarding the question’s answer. Educated is highlighted because no good hypothesis can be developed without research into the problem.

Experiment 

Once the hypothesis has been established, it is time to test it. The process of experimentation is what sets science apart from other disciplines, and it leads to discoveries every day. An experiment is designed to prove or disprove the hypothesis. If your prediction is correct, you will not be able to reject the hypothesis.

Evaluation 

All evidence and conclusions must be analyzed to make sure bias or inadequate effort did not lead to incorrect conclusions. Qualitative and quantitative mathematical analysis may also be applied.

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