SCIENTIFIC METHODS

The scientific method is a manner of thinking and working towards more complete knowledge of the world. In our daily life, we come across with many questions, such as why is sky blue?, what is the reason of getting old?, how the birds fly?, etc. Science helps us understand such phenomenon or interprets with reasons. In studying science there are three basic assumptions:

1. Science deals with observable phenomenon in a material universe;
2. Science assumes a uniformity in the material universe; and
3. Science does not deal with certainties but with probabilities.

By observable phenomenon, we mean that they can be comprehended by means of human senses. Those non-material or supernatural phenomena are, therefore, beyond the scope of science. In science, we expect that the phenomenon is reproducible, or you get the same results under the same circumstances, for instance water boils at 100 degree centigrade, wherever you go. However, science never denies probability. The same water may boil below 100 degree centigrade in some places, and science will have reasons of atmospheric pressure in such instances.

In order to conduct science, we must know the rules of the game. The scientific method starts from observations. Till eighteenth century, observation was the sole process of science making science more descriptive type of study. However, there has been critical shift in scientific discourse, especially after nineteenth century. It is now essential that scientific statements must be falsifiable in principle. These days, scientific method commonly include following four steps:

1. Observation: defining the problem to solve or understand;
2. Hypothesis : one or more falsifiable explanations for the observation;
3. Explanation : controlled attempts to test one or more hypotheses; and
4. Conclusion : was the hypothesis supported or not, to modify it or reject.