Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur
COLLEGE OF SCIENCES
Name of Campus/ College
Module 2
The Scientific Method
Name of Student: _________________________________ Course Code: GE7
Year and Section: Course Title: Science, Technology, and Society
I. OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, student should be able to:
Discuss the general concepts of Scientific Method and its importance
II. LESSON
Science, being an extensively successful endeavor is characterized by systematic observation and
experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and the formation and testing of hypotheses and
theories. As a way to validate observations while minimizing bias, the “Scientific Method” is applied in every
research. Research stands as the undeniable primary pursuit that characterizes science. Progress in scientific
knowledge would cease without the continuous efforts on research. Although it is clear that researchers seek
novel information, the term “research” itself appears somewhat puzzling. Setting aside the prefix “re” implies
repetition and the term “search” implies a seemingly random process, suggesting that the investigative
procedure lacks a defined strategy. Present-day scientific practices in sharp contrast, exhibit notable
distinctions. While the attempt to uncover new discoveries remains, it demands a structured approach and
often rely on a degree of systematic planning, widely recognized as the Scientific Method. In short, it is a
process or strategy to objectively establish facts by conducting testing and experimentations (Heppburn, B.,
& Hanne, A., 2021).
This method traces its origin to ancient thinkers and was further refined and established as a standard for
rigorous research during the 17th and 18th Century (Voit, E., 2019).
Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
English philosopher took an important role in the development of the Scientific
Method and is considered one of the pioneers of modern scientific inquiry. During
the early days of microscopic observation, he formulated an approach for
philosophers to evaluate the validity of knowledge. He shared the medieval
thinkers’ view that sensory experience was crucial for understanding the world,
yet humans tend to misinterpret sensory information leading to a potential of
human error in interpreting sensory data. He then proposed for a systematic
approach to scientific investigation in his work Novum Organum where he
outlines the ideas on the proper methodology for scientific inquiry
[Link] ([Link]
Rene Descartes (1596-1650)
French philosopher Rene Descartes made a significant contribution to the
Scientific Method. In 1637, he published his work Discourse in the Method of
Guiding One’s Reason and Searching for Truth and Sciences, where he
emphasized his rules for discerning the natural world through skepticism creating
the basis of the scientific method we know today. He relied on the use of
deductive reasoning to break down complex problems into simpler components
and then systematically analyzing them to come up with sound solutions.
([Link]
[Link]
Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur
Over the past several years, intellectuals have recognized that acquiring new knowledge can be conducted in
a specific manner that decreases the possibility of arriving at a conflicting conclusions and results. Through
adhering to the accepted rules of logic, the scientific method helps in minimizing the influences of personal,
societal, and illogical biases on research outcomes. Irrespective of its specific components, the scientific
method consists of some or all of the following steps in one form or another:
1. Observation and formulating a question. This is the first step of scientific method. Observing
prompts questions that seek to be answered to satisfy the curiosity of man. Gathering and
assimilating information about a phenomenon is involved in order to come up with a question which
is answerable and will consequently lead to a hypothesis about the issue.
2. Form a Hypothesis. In order to address the question, a hypothesis must be formulated, representing
an “educated guess” regarding the potential answer. The term “educated” is emphasized because a
thorough research into the issue is important in making a sound hypothesis, as it relies on the
meticulous understanding of the subject being investigated. Additionally, it must be testable and
falsifiable because Science often revolves around attempting to refute a scientific statement rather
than confirming it. If the hypothesis is proven to be incorrect, another hypothesis must be tested
incorporating insights from the failure of the previous hypothesis.
3. Conduct an Experiment. After formulating the hypothesis, the next step is to test it through
conducting or devising an experiment. The aim of these experiments is to verify or refute the
hypothesis. This is how Science contributes into the daily discoveries and what sets it apart from
other fields.
4. Evaluate hypothesis and derive a theory. It is important to have an in-depth examination on all
evidences and findings to ensure that there are no biases. Both qualitative and quantitative
mathematical analyses may also be employed. Moreover, scientific findings should always be
disseminated either via publication or presentation. Keep in mind that a hypothesis cannot be verified
or refuted by a single experiment only. Repetitive testing is necessary until there are no discrepancies
in the data and results, then, it can be accepted as a theory.
III. LEARNING ACTIVITIES/ASSESSMENT
1. Now that you know the scientific method and its importance to research, imagine a world where the
scientific method was never established. Discuss the potential implications and consequences on
human knowledge, technological advancement, and societal progress. How might the absence of
this systematic approach have shaped the development of various disciplines and our understanding
of the natural world?
2. Make an example of a scientific method following the steps mentioned:
Observation: Think of a specific scenario where you notice a particular phenomenon, problem, or
interesting occurrence that warrants further investigation. This could be something you observed in
nature, an issue in your community, or a problem you’ve encountered in your everyday life.
Question: Conduct a background research regarding your chosen phenomenon to gain a
comprehensive understanding of the context and factors involved.
Hypothesis: Based on your observations and research, formulate a testable hypothesis. It must be
specific, measurable, and based on logical reasoning.
Experiment: Design and conduct an experiment/s to test your hypothesis, planning it carefully.
Ensure that variables are controlled, data are collected systematically, and create a set up that allows
for a clear analysis of the results.
Data analysis: Analyze the data collected using quantitative or qualitative analysis techniques.
Conclusion: Draw conclusions based on the data analyzed and evaluate whether your results
support or refute your hypothesis.
Communication. Communicate your findings in the class.
Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur
IV. SUGGESTED REFERENCES
[Link]
Voit EO. Perspective: Dimensions of the scientific method. PLoS Comput Biol. 2019 Sep
12;15(9):e1007279. doi: 10.1371/[Link].1007279. PMID: 31513575; PMCID: PMC6742218.