Scientific Method


Scientific Method

The scientific method is based on systematic observation and 
consistent logic. 
Applying the scientific method increases our chances of coming up 
with valid explanations. 
It also provides a way to evaluate the plausibility of our scientific claims, 
or hypotheses. 
And the strength of the empirical evidence that we provide for 
these hypotheses in our empirical study or research.
  1. Empirically testable
  2. Replicable
  3. Objective
  4. Transparent
  5. Falsifiable
  6. logically consistent

Empirically Testable

This means that it should be possible to collect empirical or physical evidence or observations that will either support or contradict the hypothesis.

Replicable

A study and its findings should be replicable. Meaning we should be able to consistently repeat the original study.
If the expected result occurs only once, or in very few cases, then the result could just have been coincidental. A hypothesis is more plausible if it's repeatedly confirmed. And this requires that it's possible to repeat or replicate a study.
To see if results replicate, we have to be able to repeat the study as it was originally conducted. Suppose we do something differently we find different results. Is this a failure to replicate? No, the failed replication could be caused by our change in procedure.

Objective

The third principle of objectivity aims to allow others to repeat the study by themselves without need for the original researcher.

Objective literally means that it shouldn't matter who is performing the study.
Anybody should be able to get the same results based on the description of the assumptions and the procedures. A researcher should, therefore, be as objective as possible about assumptions, concepts, procedures. This means that all these elements should be clearly and explicitly defined. Leaving no room for subjective interpretation.

Transparent

This means that researchers need to publicly share what assumptions were made, how concepts are defined, what procedures were used, and any other information that's relevant for accurate replication.

Falsifiable

Falsifiability is a very important principle. A hypothesis is falsifiable if we're able to at least imagine finding observations that will contradict our hypothesis. If we can't imagine what such contradictory data would look like, well, then the hypothesis cannot be disprove.

If there is no form of evidence that will be accepted as disproving a hypothesis, then it's pointless to argue about the hypothesis or to even look for confirmation since the conclusion is already drawn.

Logically Consistent

A hypothesis should be logically consistent or coherent. This means there shouldn't be any internal contradiction. For example, if a supporting assumption disagrees with the hypothesis.

This means among other things, that researchers should be consistent in what they count as confirmatory, and contradictory evidence.

One final point. The scientific method is only effective when it's used with the right attitude. In order to come up with better hypotheses, researchers need to be critical of their own studies and those of others. This means they have to be open and transparent. They have to accept critique and let go of their pet hypotheses. If others provide better explanations. Only then can science function like an evolutionary system, where only the fittest or most plausible hypotheses survive.

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