Scientific method

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. (I test various objects that are more or less dense than water by putting them in a tub; finding my hypothesis holds true I predict that any object that is less dense than water will float)

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