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24 views3 pagesComparing Scientific and Engineering Methods
The document compares the Scientific Method and the Engineering Design Process, highlighting their distinct purposes: scientists use the former to understand nature, while engineers use the latter to create solutions. Both processes involve a series of steps, but the choice of which to follow depends on the project's goals, with engineering being preferable for product invention. It also notes that the lines between the two processes can blur, allowing for the application of both in certain projects.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
24 views3 pagesComparing Scientific and Engineering Methods
The document compares the Scientific Method and the Engineering Design Process, highlighting their distinct purposes: scientists use the former to understand nature, while engineers use the latter to create solutions. Both processes involve a series of steps, but the choice of which to follow depends on the project's goals, with engineering being preferable for product invention. It also notes that the lines between the two processes can blur, allowing for the application of both in certain projects.
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Scientific Method vs Engineering
Design Process, which process
do I use?
Many times in school we must create products for learning certain concepts, procedures
and values that we find in the curriculum. But what should we use for this? The Scientific
Method or the Engineering Design Process. Below is a comparison of the two processes.
While scientists study how nature
works, engineers create new things,
such as products, websites,
environments, and experiences. Since
engineers and scientists have different
goals, they both must follow different
processes in their work. Scientists
conduct experiments using the scientific
method, while engineers follow the
creativity-based engineering design process.
Both processes can be divided into a series of steps, as seen in the table below.
The Engineering
The Scientific Method
Design Process
Set a question A problem is defined
Background is being Background is being
investigated investigated
A hypothesis is formulated and Requirements are
the variables are identified specified
Alternative solutions are
The design of the experiments
created and the best
is established and the
option is chosen to
procedures are established
develop it.
The hypothesis is tested by
A prototype is built
doing an experiment
Their results are analyzed and It is tested and
conclusions are drawn. redesigned as
The Engineering
The Scientific Method
Design Process
necessary.
The results are
The results are communicated
communicated
Please note that although the steps are listed in sequential order, you will likely need to go
back to previous steps several times throughout a project. It is often necessary to re-
examine stages or steps in order to improve the appearance of a project.
Why are there two
processes?
Both scientists and engineers contribute to the world of human knowledge, but in different
ways. Scientists use the scientific method to make testable explanations and predictions
about the world. A scientist asks a question and develops an experiment, or set of
experiments, to answer that question. Engineers use the engineering design process to
create solutions to problems. An engineer identifies a specific need: What is needed and
for what purpose? And then he or she creates a solution that meets the need.
What process should I
follow for my project?
In real life, the distinction between science and engineering is not always clear. Scientists
often do engineering work, and engineers often apply scientific principles, including the
scientific method. Your project may fall into the gray area between science and
engineering, and that's okay. Many projects, even if they are engineering related, can and
should use the scientific method.
However, if the goal of your project is to invent a new product, computer program,
experience, or environment, then it makes sense to follow the engineering design process.