Scientific methods

Introduction

The problem-solving methods that scientists use in their research are called scientific methods. All scientific methods involve the same basic steps. This chapter gives an overview of the general steps in all scientific methods.

Basic steps of scientific methods

Scientific methods are as old as science itself. Besides the research of a new event or object, scientific method includes the correction of previous knowledge or scientific theory. Before we look at the basic steps of scientific methods it is important to define such terms as theory and hypothesis.
A theory is an explanation of why and how a specific natural event occurs. A hypothesis is a scientific idea about how something works, before the idea has been tested. Scientists do experiments to test their hypothesis to see if the hypothesis is correct. After a hypothesis has been tested and proved it may become a theory.

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The scientific method involves the following steps:

Observation - means looking at something and noting all the details. All scientific research starts with observation.

Description - means writing down all the characteristics and features of the observed event or object.

Experiments - are a series of trials or tests that are conducted to support or disprove a hypothesis.

Prediction - means suggesting what may happen based on available information.

Scientific method control means the process of comparing actual results with the predicted results and analysing the differences.

Explanation - means describing something in order to make it easier to understand.

Scientific theories may be proposed after scientists complete all the steps of the scientific method. All scientific theories have been subject to constant questioning and re-evaluation since the very early days of science. An ancient Greek writer called Euripides once said: "Question everything". So, please do.

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