Scientific Method Thinking, How It Works
Scientifc Methods and Processes in Biological and Physical Sciences
May 26, 2009
Science is based on logic and reason and the processes of induction and deduction. The scientific method involves:
- an observation that generates
- a possible answer or speculation — the hypothesis.
- experiments are done, to prove or disprove the hypothesis, and
- conclusions (scientific facts or theory) are reached, based on the data and experimental results.
Science is built on reason, logic and experiments that lead to conclusions or scientific facts. Each scientific fact is actually the result of thoughtful, controlled and completed experiments — dozens, or hundreds, or thousands. The cumulative results and conclusions, when analyzed, lead to the scientific fact, or theory, as the case may be.
How Science Functions and Works Compared to Philosophy, Theology
Science involves the physical world — detectable by the senses and able to be tested, evaluated, and measured. Even in theoretical mathematics and physics, the proofs of the theory are affirmed or denied by logic, formulas and "intellectual experiments".
Truth in science is relative. Scientific facts may change with new experiments and new findings. Scientists evaluate and re-evaluate, and seek to discover and uncover. An old idea viewed by different eyes often opens the door to a new discovery.
Philosophy and theology involve intellectual and moral issues that are unverifiable by lab experiments. Philosophy and theology are based on reason and logic, but neither discipline can prove its ideas and concepts by theorems or physical laboratory experiments. This does not diminish the value of either philosophy, or theology — they each have a logical foundation, and each attempts to make sense of the deep issues of life. Regardless, neither discipline is a true science as are mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology and other related sciences.
Scientific Reasoning and Logic, Inductive and Deductive Thinking
Induction is that process of reasoning by which individual items are synthesized into a universal or whole concept. It is reasoning from specific, individual observations to a synthesized, unified concept.
Examine the figures in the first photo below (click to enlarge). What is seen?
Circles and rectangles are there. Now, define circles and rectangles, and check them against the definitions that follow.
- A circle is a continuous connected line with a center point and a distinct radius. Correct? Any definition contradictions or problems?
- Rectangles are four lines meeting at four distinct points. Right? Any definition contradictions or problems?
One of the two definitions given above is wrong. Click the second photo twice to enlarge.
How does one arrive at an inductive fact or truth? The human brain assimilates the appropriate elements or parts and intuits these are ”rectangles” and these are ”circles". Henceforth, and forever, they are just that for all reasonable, intelligent humans.
Inductive reasoning synthesizes a single unifying theme or concept from individual elements. Deduction takes the knowledge that has been synthesized and says this is a specific one of that universal item.
Induction and Deduction Lead to Taxonomy for Naming and Classifying Things Logically
Classification and taxonomy are important to all basic and applied sciences. Logical frameworks are created that enable scientists to define, order, categorize and understand matter, whether it be stars or planets, animals or plants, horses or hogs, grasses or trees, sugars or fats, volts or ohms, organic or inorganic compounds, metamorphic or sedimentary rocks, etc.
The scientific method is a reasonable and rational, stepwise, ordered approach to the solving of problems. The scientific method uses both inductive and deductive reasoning to solve problems and provide answers. The method can be applied to all types of scientific problems and multiple disciplines.
To learn more about the scientific method see:
Sources
Alters, S and B. Alters. 2006, Biology. John Wiley & Sons Inc., Hoboken, N.J. 755 pp
Glantz, S.A. 1992. Primer of Biostatistics. McGraw-Hill, New York. 440 pp
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