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Home > Understanding Research > Scientific Method

Scientific Method

Performing an experiment

Introduction

The scientific method is a process used to systematically investigate observations and problems. It has evolved over many centuries and is now a well recognized series of steps:

  1. State the question or problem to be considered, solved or answered.
  2. Observe, measure, and record the problem under varied circumstances. This description of the phenomenon helps the investigator see how certain variables might affect the problem.
  3. Form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation that might account for a set of facts or observations. The hypothesis is formed by examining the observations and making a guess about an explanation about why that set of facts or phenomenon exists.
  4. Test the hypothesis/experiment. An experiment is a test under controlled conditions made to demonstrate the validity of a hypothesis. During an experiment, data is gathered and recorded, adding to the facts already known about the problem. (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition, defines an experiment as "a test under controlled conditions that is made to demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried.").
  5. Draw a conclusion. Investigators draw conclusions by examining the data from the experiment. There are basically two possible outcomes. Either the experiment supported the hypothesis and can be regarded as true, or the experiment disproved the hypothesis as false. If the hypothesis is false, repeat the steps in the scientific method and make adjustments to your hypothesis.

The scientific method is used to attempt to eliminate the bias caused by cultural and personal beliefs of the investigator. The aim is to make an accurate, reliable, consistent and non-arbitrary representation of a set of facts/circumstances. "The scientific method works best in situations where one can isolate the phenomenon of interest, by eliminating or accounting for extraneous factors, and where one can repeatedly test the system under study after making limited, controlled changes in it." (from Introduction to the Scientific Method, Rochester Universtiy)

References

  1. Introduction to the Scientific Method
  2. The Scientific Method

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