Many researchers have described the scientific method with little difference but the main theme is a well-accepted accepted solution to the problems of science and social science.
According to Keyes the definitions of the scientific method can be found in the social and environmental sciences and, although there are variations, they all have some similarities. Students collected many scientific explanation methods from textbooks in the natural (“hard”) sciences and then were asked to compare these with those given in their social science textbook.
Some definitions list the steps or process involved while others provide a general idea of the method.
Consider the following definitions in light of different disciplines. In their geology book, Wicander & Monroe as cited in Keyes defined the scientific method as a logical, orderly approach that involves gathering data, formulating and testing hypotheses, and proposing theories. McMurry & Fay, in their chemistry book, defined it as the “Scientific method, scientific questions must be asked, and experiments must be carried out to find their answers” in the context of biology. The classic vision of the scientific method is that observations lead to hypotheses that make experimentally testable predictions.
From the psychological point of view, “The scientific method refers to a set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that guide researchers in creating questions to investigate, in generating evidence and drawing conclusions. Whereas in the context of sociology, the scientific method is an approach to data collection that relies on two assumptions:
Read: Various methods employed as a tool of obtaining knowledge
Knowledge about the world is acquired through observation.
The truth of the knowledge is confirmed by verification that is, by others making the same observations.
The scientific method is an empirical method of acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century (with notable practitioners in previous centuries). It involves careful observation, and applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation. It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; experimental and measurement-based testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings. These are principles of the scientific method, as distinguished from a definitive series of steps applicable to all scientific enterprises
The scientific method is an approach to seeking knowledge that involves forming and testing a hypothesis. The scientific method provides a logical, systematic way to answer questions and removes subjectivity by requiring each answer to be authenticated with objective evidence that can be reproduced.
Scientists have also adopted some specific procedures and thereby contributed to scientific inventions. The procedure adopted by scientists to find out the facts and scientific truths is called the ‘Scientific Method’. It is evident that if the teachers and students follow the scientific method in the classroom, the teaching-learning process will be effective. A better understanding of the scientific method is a common component for increased awareness towards knowledge acquisition. However, McPherson (2001) believes that a lack of understanding of the scientific method is more out of control than is commonly believed, at least in part because many scientists and science educators do not understand all the components of the scientific method up to the level of application. Different scientists and researchers enlist different numbers of steps involved in the process of the scientific method. The steps are explained in this unit with the purpose that students will be able to apply the method to solve science and social science problems while exercising command over the procedure.
Steps Involved in Scientific Method
From the above definitions of the scientific method, we can conclude that: The process adopted by the scientists to find out the facts and scientific truths is called the Scientific Method. The following are the compulsory steps involved in the scientific method. The elaboration of these steps is as:
1. Realizing the problem
2. Defining the problem
3. Analyzing the problem
4. Collecting data/information
5. Analyzing the information
6. Framing hypothesis
7. Verifying the hypothesis
8. Finding the solution 9. Applying the solutions in life situations.
Identify the problem
The desire to find out the truth about whatever is happening scientifically is the first step in solving the problem. Everything that happens in nature draws the attention of readers and they wonder about the underlying cause and its effects on the environment. The students are amazed. When using a scientific method the main task of the teacher is to present the concept in the form of a problem and to encourage students to find common solutions.
Explain the problem
Once the problem is clearly identified, it should be clearly defined in order for the problem to be resolved. This is the next step in the Science Path. Only after you have clearly defined the problem, is it possible to devise ways to solve the problem. Students themselves can find and write clear meanings using appropriate words with the help of the teacher. The appropriate description can be selected from them.
Problem analysis
This is the third step in the Science process that separates and organizes the problem and its components. The reader should analyze the problem in sections to get the details of each section in order to understand the actual magnitude of the problem.
Collecting data/information
Designing Techniques using available resources and problem-solving techniques and collecting data appropriately is an important step in the scientific process. Problem-related data can be collected in the following ways:
- Collection of data through observation
- Collection of data through experiments
- Collection of data by surveying literature
Analyzing the information
Analysis of the Information collected develops the scientific attitude among the learners. The collection of information can reveal the uniqueness and the diversity of the problem and its dimensions. Only on the basis of analysis of information formulating the hypothesis can be done. The irrelevant data and information can be discarded by this method. The teacher should support the learner in the analysis of information. By this skills of classification and comparison can be developed among the learners.
Framing hypothesis
The plan of speculation or conditional arrangements (Framing theory) is the significant stage in the logical strategy. Speculative arrangements are obtained by examining different information based on getting sorted out and gathering the information as indicated by their likenesses and dissimilarities. Along these lines, numerous provisional arrangements can be acquired for the given issue. They are called speculations. All theories can’t be the answers to an issue. One among them will be the reasonable answer to the issue. Understudies can be urged to figure out speculation based on gathered information by perception or by tests.
Verifying the hypothesis
Evaluation of the hypothesis or verification of the hypothesis is essential to find the appropriate one that is most likely to be correct. On the basis of hypotheses, further data collected through repeated experiments are analyzed and the most appropriate hypothesis needs to be selected. The tentative solutions may be discarded when there is a lack of validity and experimental proof.
Finding the solution
A theory should be tried in an assortment of conditions and from the aftereffects of the tests and examinations, a legitimate speculation is chosen. Chosen and affirmed speculation is tried over and over. As per its consistency, it becomes the last answer for the issue and it tends to be declared as the outcome.
Applying the solutions in life situations
The determined outcomes should be summed up. The summed-up outcome can be used at whatever point the circumstances happened the same. The student can apply something similar or comparable kind of techniques for critical thinking.
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