Is defining a problem part of the scientific method?

Answer 1

No, you do not need to define a problem. The steps of the scientific method are:

1. Having a Question

For example, "Does water boil at different temperatures depending on air pressure?"

2. Coming up with a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is your best guess as to the answer of the question. In this example, it could be, "Water will boil at a lower temperature if air pressure is lower."

3. Performing an Experiment

In this case, you would try testing the temperature of boiling water at two different air pressure levels, and record your observations.

4. The Conclusion

This is when you determine whether your hypothesis is correct or incorrect. In this case, your hypothesis would have been correct. Water does boil at a lower temperature when air pressure is lower.

Answer 2

Interesting question here are some initial thoughts. If you think of a typical scientific observation like at what temperature does water boil, and then note that this varies depending on how much atmospheric pressure is on it, what constitutes a problem? The problem might be how to measure it or to understand the mechanism whereby the pressure affects the temperature. But strictly speaking there are no problems as such, a problem is constituted in relationship to a desired outcome. So I have a problem only if I want something. Nothing in the inanimate world wants anything, so a scientific problem is artificial. I desire a solution to understanding some physical process therefore I observe it measure it and study it and the process of studying it will throw up problems.