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Understanding the Scientific Method

The scientific method is an empirical process used since the 17th century to acquire knowledge through careful observation and experimentation. It involves making observations, formulating hypotheses to explain those observations, deducing predictions from the hypotheses, experimentally testing those predictions, and refining or eliminating the hypotheses based on the results. This process is used across all sciences to ask and answer questions logically through evidence-supported experiments, even if the specific questions and tests differ between fields.

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Ellysse Jenaiah Tabaldo
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11 views1 page

Understanding the Scientific Method

The scientific method is an empirical process used since the 17th century to acquire knowledge through careful observation and experimentation. It involves making observations, formulating hypotheses to explain those observations, deducing predictions from the hypotheses, experimentally testing those predictions, and refining or eliminating the hypotheses based on the results. This process is used across all sciences to ask and answer questions logically through evidence-supported experiments, even if the specific questions and tests differ between fields.

Uploaded by

Ellysse Jenaiah Tabaldo
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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

1. Make an observation.

2. Ask a question.

3. Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation.

4. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis.

5. Test the prediction.

6. Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.

The scientific method is used in all sciences—including chemistry, physics, geology, and psychology. The
scientists in these fields ask different questions and perform different tests. However, they use the same
core approach to find answers that are logical and supported by evidence

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