Why the Scientific Method is Important?

Answer 1

The Scientific Method is a body of techniques for investigating phenomena and acquiring knowledge, as well as correcting/integrating previous knowledge. It involves gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence, the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.

Scientists presume that all of nature is orderly, and can be understood and explained by general laws. These laws can be discovered through deductive and inductive methods using observation, hypotheses and experimentation.

- Scientists put forward hypotheses to explain what is observed.

- They then conduct experiments to test these hypotheses

- The steps taken in the experiment must be capable of replication and the results emerge as the same. What is discovered may lead to a new hypothesis.

Elimination of plausible alternatives. This is a gradual process that requires repeated experiments by multiple researchers who must be able to replicate results in order to corroborate them. All hypotheses and theories are, in principle, subject to disproof.

Thus, there is a point at which there might be a consensus about a particular hypothesis or theory, yet it must in principle remain tentative. As a body of knowledge grows and a particular hypothesis or theory repeatedly brings predictable results, confidence in the hypothesis or theory increases.

Strengths of the Scientific Method

Scientific statements can be independentlyverified by others. Science deals in facts and has evidence and proof to support its claims. The process for gaining knowledge is ordered: experiments are repeatable. Science is unbiased - it is not out to prove anything but to find the facts/truth about phenomena. Science is empirical: people can see things for themselves. Sciences uses models to explain things in an understandable manner. Science uses objects and experiments which are able to be understood by our senses.

Weaknesses of the Science Method

Scientists are human and can be unintentionally biased; total objectivity is impossible. Plenty of scientific theories have been proved wrong e.g. Ptolemy's view of the universe was overturned by Copernicus. Science is always changing, and so we can never be 100% certain of what it claims. The use of models to represent something (e.g. atom) is limiting. Science uses our senses and our senses can be mistaken e.g. looking down a railroad track we think that the lines intersect when they don't in fact. Science cannot answer all the questions of life; human yearning, the existence of evil, courage or the meaning of life. We can never understand something as it really is because our very presence affects what is being studied.

Answer 2

When was the last time you revisited the scientific method? Did you know that you are using the scientific method on a daily basis as you make decisions in both your personal and professional lives? There are two reasons why the scientific method is important. These reasons include the following:

1. Problem Solving: Depending on the type of problem in which individuals are experiencing, he or she may go through each step of the Scientific Method Process. There are seven steps of the scientific method, which include the following:

1. Ask a Question

2. Do Background Research

3. Construct a Hypothesis

4. Test with an Experiment

5. Procedure Working?

6. Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions

7. Communicate Results (Science Buddies, 2014).

Each of these steps requires individuals to use both their critical and creative thinking skills. Depending on the learner’s knowledge, each step should be approached with caution to keep from going back to a previous step when it comes to using the scientific method.

2. Research Study: Individuals who desire to further their education will benefit from learning the Scientific Method. For instance, at both the master’s and Doctoral levels, individuals are expected to contribute an original piece of literature to their respective field of study. Typically, a capstone or dissertation is broken into five chapters. While each chapter is important, individuals will open a significant amount of time working on each chapter. For instance, in Chapter 1, individuals will spend a great deal of time selecting a topic and formulating research questions. Also, during this time, individuals will look at the specific research design to answer questions. This is aligned with steps 1-3 of the Scientific Method. Both Chapter 2 and 3 supports the plan so that an experiment can occur. After the IRB board has approved the research proposal, then individuals are able to carry out their research and collect data and draw conclusions, which happen to be the last few steps in the Scientific Method.

These are two reasons why the Scientific Method is important and individuals should take the time out to focus on how to apply it to their own situations whether it is professionally or personally.

Reference:

Science Buddies (2014). Science Buddies Projects

. Retrieved from http://www.sciencebuddies.org/