In this post we will discuss the scientific method and the steps involved in a
scientific method. As we all know science is a process of acquiring knowledge.
Is it simply gathering information or knowledge? We get a lot of information
from newspapers, TV shows, magazines, even from our surroundings. These are all
knowledge or data. How this is different from a scientific knowledge? The term
science is derived from a Latin word ‘scientia’ which means ‘to know’ or knowledge. I will straight away
give you a definition that will clarify things better.
What
is scientific method?
Scientific method is an organised and
systematized effort to gain knowledge that uses observation and experimentation
to describe and explain nature or natural phenomenon. It
includes collection of data through observation and experimentation and
formulation and testing of hypothesis. Here two terms stands out “systematised
and organised” that is scientific method involves certain steps that is
followed universally for getting solution to a problem. In short, scientific method is an organised
and systematized or logical way of finding answers to questions or finding
solutions to problems. Hope
this much is clear.
Steps involved in a scientific method or research
First of all, I will give you a brief idea about all these steps and in
the next post we will discuss these steps with an example.
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| Steps in Scientific Method |
Step I: Define the problem through observation.
Make an observation. Based on the observation, frame a question that is Define the problem through
observation. Keen observation
of surroundings is the most important quality of a good scientist. A scientific
enquiry begins with observation of a natural phenomenon. What makes an
observation scientifically useful?
It should be correct and repeatable. Observation can be direct using
senses or indirect with the help of instruments. Now ask questions. Why, how,
what?. Preliminary answers to these questions will help you to define the
problem.
Step II: Research the problem and formulate hypothesis.
Research the problem: This step is often called as review of
literature (collecting background information on the topic selected). This
refers to the process of collecting all available information on that
particular topic. This will give the researcher a clear cut idea about what to
do next? And also helps in avoiding repetition.
After extensive literature survey, the researcher will formulate a
hypothesis. Hypothesis is an
educated guess, a possible answer or a predictive statement that can be tested
by scientific methods or scientifically testable or measurable. This statement
is based on our previous experience on the topic or based on existing knowledge
or review of literature.
Step III: Testing hypothesis by conducting
experiments.
Here we have to design the experiment and execute the project. We often
call the methodology adopted for conducting the experiment as procedure. It
should be properly designed to get unbiased results.
Step IV: Collect and record data.
Data collection may be direct (using our senses) or indirect (using
scientific instruments).
Step V: Analyse and interpret data and draw conclusions.
At the end of the experiment, hypothesis may be right or wrong.
Step VI: Report results or theorising.
This includes preparation of report or presentation of results or
publish it in scientific journals so that your finding is open to public. A theory is a hypothesis supported
by large body of observation and experimental evidences. All scientific theories are subjected
to revisions or modifications.
The above steps are followed in all
research programs irrespective of the subject. A good research is systematic,
logical, empirical, unbiased and replicable. The word empirical is widely used
in science. Empirical means information acquired by experience (using our
senses) or experimentation (using instruments). Science cannot answer any
questions that are not empirical.
Scientific findings are always under a
state of flux, it can change. Once scientific world believed theory of
spontaneous generation, later it was disproved. Now scientific community
believes theory of evolution for the time being this is acceptable. But in
future this may or may not be disproved. Till the discovery of microscopes, we
are not even aware of a world that is so diverse, the microbial world. The limitation of humanity
is the limitation of science. In
science, we are trying to overcome our limitation of senses by developing
instruments that allow us to go beyond senses. But the limitation persists and
that is why science is a
journey and not at all a destination.
In the next post, let us have a close look into the steps in scientific
method with the classic example, discovery of penicillin by Alexander Flemming.