BARBIE D.

BALUNSAT BSF-1

RESEARCH

SCIENTIFIC METHOD
INTRODUCTION
The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has characterized the
development of science since at least the 17th century. The term "scientific method" emerged in
the 19th century, when a significant institutional development of science was taking place and
terminologies establishing clear boundaries between science and non-science, such as "scientist"
and "pseudoscience", or ''false science'' appeared. The scientific revolution, which emphasized
systematic experimentation as the most valid research method, resulted in developments in
mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, and chemistry. These developments transformed the
views of society about nature.

The Scientific method is a process with the help of which scientists try to investigate, verify, or
construct an accurate and reliable version of any natural phenomena. It is done by creating an
objective framework for the purpose of scientific inquiry and analyzing the results scientifically
to come to a conclusion that either supports or contradicts the hypothesis made of the beginning.
The principles of the scientific method can be applied in many areas, including scientific
research, business, and technology.

The scientific method is a systematic and empirical approach utilized to explore observations
and provide answers to questions. The initial step in the scientific method is referred to as the
"Question" or "Problem." This stage requires careful observation, application of rigorous
skepticism towards what has been observed, considering that cognitive assumptions may distort
one's interpretation of the said observation. The ultimate objective of the scientific method is to
establish facts objectively via testing and experimentation. It involves making an observation,
formulating a hypothesis, predicting outcomes, conducting experiments, and finally analyzing
results.

Despite varying steps adopted depending on individual requirements for any given observation
analyzed through scientific methods; there exists an agreed-upon sequence of procedures used
in these approaches with a common aim - analysis of initial observations made.
A dynamic, open-ended process to investigate questions.
Here are the seven steps.
1. Observation and formulation of a question:

The scientific process typically begins with observation. Scientists observe and collect data, reflecting on
the reasons behind certain phenomena they see. Once a question forms, scientists seek solutions to move
their research forward. They identify viable research questions and develop potential hypotheses to
investigate further. By exploring the underlying causes and effects of observations, scientists gain a
comprehensive understanding of the world around them, enabling significant contributions across
various fields of study. Scientists observe and collect data to identify research questions. They develop
hypotheses to further investigate phenomena and gain a comprehensive understanding of their
observations, making significant contributions to various fields of study.

2. Make Predictions

Based on their research and observations, scientists will often come up with a hypothesis. A hypothesis is
a possible answer to a question. It is based on their own observations, existing theories, and information
they gather from other sources. Scientists use their hypothesis to make a prediction, which is a testable
statement that describes what they think the outcome of an investigation will be. Scientists create
hypotheses to explain observations and answer questions. They use their own knowledge, theories, and
external sources to formulate these proposals. Predictions are made from the hypothesis and tested
through investigation. Hypotheses guide the scientific process and allow for exploration of new ideas in
a systematic way.

3. Gather Data /Data Collection and Hypothesis:

The next step involved in the scientific method is to collect all related data and formulate a hypothesis based on the
observation. The hypothesis could be the cause of the phenomenon, its effect, or its relation to any other
phenomena. Evidence is needed to test the prediction. There are several strategies for collecting evidence, or data.
Scientists can gather their data by observing the natural world, performing an experiment in a laboratory, or by
running a model. Scientists decide which strategy to use, often combining strategies. Then they plan a procedure
and gather their data. They make sure the procedure can be repeated so that other scientists can evaluate their
findings

4. Analyze the Data

When conducting research, researchers organize their data in a structured manner using tables, graphs, or
diagrams. They also incorporate relevant information from other sources. The objective of analyzing
research data is to test hypotheses by scrutinizing collected data for patterns that reveal correlations
between significant variables. By identifying these patterns and correlations, researchers gain valuable
insights into the relationships between different variables and draw conclusions about their findings.
Testing hypotheses requires careful attention to detail and a rigorous approach to data analysis. Through
meticulous examination of their data and incorporation of relevant external information, researchers can
gain a deeper understanding of their subject matter and make meaningful contributions to their field of
study.
5. Testing the hypothesis

Once a hypothesis has been proposed, it must undergo scientific testing. This process is achieved through
conducting experiments in order to determine whether the hypothesis aligns with or contradicts
observations made in the real world. The ultimate goal of these experiments is to build confidence in the
hypothesis, either by confirming its validity or by disproving it. Based on the results of these
experiments, scientists will adjust their level of confidence in the hypothesis accordingly. It is through
this process that hypotheses are rigorously tested and either accepted or rejected as valid explanations for
observed phenomena.

6. Draw Conclusions

During scientific experimentation, scientists formulate hypotheses and perform experiments to test them.
After the experiment is conducted, researchers analyze the data they have collected in order to determine
whether their hypothesis has been proven or not. In cases where results are ambiguous or unclear,
researchers must reassess their experimental design and methodology to ensure that future experiments
yield more definitive outcomes. On the other hand, if findings unreservedly support their hypothesis,
scientists proceed to document their discoveries in a report or paper that is shared with other members of
the scientific community. Scientists test hypotheses through experiments and analyze the resulting data.
They reassess their methodology if results are unclear, and document findings in reports when their
hypothesis is supported. These reports prompt new questions and avenues for further investigation.
Analysis and conclusion are essential in enabling scientists to evaluate their work, share knowledge, and
advance our understanding of the natural world.

7. Analysis and Conclusion

This step involves the use of proper mathematical and other scientific procedures to determine the results
of the experiment. Based on the analysis, the future course of action can be determined. If the data found
in the analysis is consistent with the hypothesis, it is accepted. If not, then it is rejected or modified and
analyzed again.

 It must be remembered that a hypothesis cannot be proved or disproved by doing one

experiment. It needs to be done repeatedly until there are no discrepancies in the data and
the result. When there are no discrepancies and the hypothesis is proven, it is accepted as a
‘theory’.

PRINCIPLES OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS

• HYPOTHESIS

A hypothesis is an assumption, an idea that is proposed for the sake of argument so that it can be
tested to see if it might be true. In the scientific method, the hypothesis is constructed before any
applicable research has been done, apart from a basic background review.
 • PREDICTABILITY

The degree of predictability refers to the precision and reliability with which a system's state or condition
can be anticipated or projected, whether through qualitative or quantitative means. This entails an
understanding of the underlying factors that influence the system's behavior as well as an ability to
interpret and analyze relevant data. A high level of predictability is desirable in many fields, such as
finance, engineering, and meteorology, where accurate forecasts are crucial for decision-making and risk
management purposes. Conversely, a low level of predictability may indicate significant uncertainty or
volatility within the system under consideration. Thus, measuring and improving predictability is often a
key focus for researchers seeking to enhance our understanding of complex systems and improve their
performance over time.

• TESTABILITY

In essence, a hypothesis is deemed testable if it can be determined as either true or false through
experimentation conducted by anyone. Such an approach permits individuals to evaluate whether a
theory may be corroborated or invalidated based on empirical evidence. A hypothesis is considered
testable if it can be proven true or false through experimentation by anyone. This enables individuals to
assess whether a theory can be backed up or disproved with empirical evidence. In other words, a
hypothesis is testable when one can determine its veracity through experimentation, giving everyone the
opportunity to decide if a theory holds merit based on data.

• ETHICS

Ethics in science include: a) standards of methods and process that address research design, procedures,
data analysis, interpretation, and reporting; and b) standards of topics and findings that address the use of
human and animal subjects in research

• OBSERVATION

Observation is essential in science. Scientists use observation to collect and record data, which enables
them to construct and then test hypotheses and theories. Scientists observe in many ways – with their
own senses or with tools such as microscopes, scanners or transmitters to extend their vision or hearing.

CHARACTERISTICS
SYSTEMATICS

—The systematic plan that must guide a scientific investigation must consider all the aspects and the
moment of this research.

CONTROLLED

—Scientific research must avoid chance.

—The process must be supported by control mechanisms that allow it to obtain the truthful results.
—All actions and observations are controlled.

EMPIRICAL

—It Is way of gaining knowledge by means of direct or indirect observation or experience.

—It is about experiment with evidence.

RATIONAL
—Science in general is characterized by being rational and logical.

—In scientific investigation must emphasize the rationality on the subjectivity.

REPRODUCIBLE
—The findings obtain through scientific research should be able to be reproduced under the same
conditions established in the study.

OBJECTIVE
—The result of scientific research must be universal.

PROVISIONAL

—Science is constantly expanding.

—Scientificresearchisconsideredprovisionalbecauseitmustbeopentofurtherstudies.

ORIGINAL

—There is no sense in focusing scientific research on proven facts.

—If base on existing research, the researcher should focus on a different area of the problem.

ODERED

—Planning must have a specific order, which responds of the interest of the study.

—Orderly structure allows developing a veracious, empirical and verifiable study.

CONSIDER EVERY DAY PROBLEM

REFERENCES:

HTTPS://BYJUS.COM/PHYSICS/SCIENTIFIC-METHODS/

HTTPS://WWW.AMNH.ORG/EXPLORE/VIDEOS/THE-SCIENTIFIC-PROCESS

HTTPS://WWW.SCIENCEBUDDIES.ORG/SCIENCE-FAIR-PROJECTS/SCIENCE-FAIR/STEPS-OF-THE-SCIENTIFIC-METHOD