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Line 1: − The '''Scientific Method''' is a procedure for the dispassionate inquiry into any and all phenomena. + − It involves the careful collection of data and the development of [[Theory|theories]] which organize those facts into [[Falsifiablity|falsifiable]] explanations. − When theories move away from falsifiability and become dogmatic, then we say they are not scientific (see [[pseudoscience]]). − − Each scientific theory is built up as a deliberately fragile structure, like a house of cards, that can collapse if any foundational principles are proven to be false. − − − ==The four steps of the scientific method {{fact}}== − − 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). − Mathematical derivations are also commonly used to support a theory and predict results, but only an experiment can provide conclusive evidence (relativity, for example, could not have been predicted by math alone). − − − − ==References== − <references/> − − * http://teacher.pas.rochester.edu/phy_labs/AppendixE/AppendixE.html − * http://physics.ucr.edu/~wudka/Physics7/Notes_www/node6.html − * http://biology.clc.uc.edu/Courses/bio104/sci_meth.htm − [[category:science]]
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#REDIRET [[Scientific theory]]