Difference between revisions of "Scientific method"
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2. '''Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena.''' (I propose that it is the overall density of the ship, rather than its weight that determines if it floats) | 2. '''Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena.''' (I propose that it is the overall density of the ship, rather than its weight that determines if it floats) | ||
| − | 3. '''Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict the results of new observations.''' (I test various objects that are more or less dense than water by putting them in a tub | + | 3. '''Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict the results of new observations.''' (To see whether my hypothesis holds true, I predict that any object that is less dense than water will float and any object more dense than water will sink; I test various objects that are more or less dense than water by putting them in a tub.) |
4. '''Replication of the experiments and results by independent experimenters.''' (rather than take my word for it, my neighbors try the same experiment and look for any flaws in my methodology) | 4. '''Replication of the experiments and results by independent experimenters.''' (rather than take my word for it, my neighbors try the same experiment and look for any flaws in my methodology) | ||
Revision as of 23:20, March 30, 2007
Template:Stub Scientific Method
Science is best defined as a careful, disciplined, logical search for knowledge about any and all aspects of the universe, obtained by examination of the best available evidence and always subject to correction and improvement upon discovery of better evidence. What's left is magic. And it doesn't work. -- James Randi
The four steps of the scientific method
1. Careful observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena. (I observe that a heavy steel ship floats on water)
2. Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena. (I propose that it is the overall density of the ship, rather than its weight that determines if it floats)
3. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict the results of new observations. (To see whether my hypothesis holds true, I predict that any object that is less dense than water will float and any object more dense than water will sink; I test various objects that are more or less dense than water by putting them in a tub.)
4. Replication of the experiments and results by independent experimenters. (rather than take my word for it, my neighbors try the same experiment and look for any flaws in my methodology)
references: [1]
[2]
[http://biology.clc.uc.edu/Courses/bio104/sci_meth.htm