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ShareScientific method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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It is based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning, the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. Although procedures vary from one field of inquiry to another, identifiable features distinguish scientific inquiry from other methodologies of knowledge.
Scientific researchers propose hypotheses as explanations of phenomena, and design experimental studies to test these hypotheses.
These steps must be repeatable in order to predict dependably any future results.
Theories that encompass wider domains of inquiry may bind many hypotheses together in a coherent structure.
This in turn may help form new hypotheses or place groups of hypotheses into context. Among other facets shared by the various fields of inquiry is the conviction that the process must be objective to reduce a biased interpretation of the results.
Another basic expectation is to document, archive and share all data and methodology so it is available for careful scrutiny by other scientists, thereby allowing other researchers the opportunity to verify results by attempting to reproduce them.
This practice, called full disclosure, also allows statistical measures of the reliability of these data to be established.
For more information about the topic Scientific method, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:
Experiment — In the scientific method, an experiment is a set of actions and observations, performed in the context of solving a particular problem or question, ... > read more
Hypothesis — A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. A scientific hypothesis must be testable and based on previous observations or extensions of ... > read more
Science — Science refers to the system of acquiring knowledge based on empiricism, experimentation, and methodological naturalism. The term science also refers ... > read more
Science — Science, in the broadest sense, refers to any systematic knowledge or practice. In a more restricted sense, science refers to a system of acquiring ... > read more
Confirmation bias — In psychology and cognitive science, confirmation bias (or confirmatory bias) is a tendency to search for or interpret information in a way that ... > read more
Earth science — Many scientists are now starting to use an approach known as Earth system science which treats the entire Earth as a system in its own right, which ... > read more
Empiricism — In philosophy generally, empiricism is a theory of knowledge emphasizing the role of experience. In the philosophy of science, empiricism is a theory ... > read more
Political science — Political science is the field of the social sciences concerning the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political ... > read moreEditor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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