By dictionary definition, scientific methods are described as a body of techniques that are used for acquiring knowledge, investigating phenomena or correcting and expanding on previous knowledge. Typically, these scientific methods will involve measurement, observation, experimentation, testing, formulation and the modification of hypotheses. In order for a process to be considered as scientific it must involve a method of inquiry that needs to have been based on evidence, both measurable and empirical, that was gathered subject to specific principles of reasoning. All scientific methods that are technically considered as such will involve these processes.
Although the exact procedures that are involved in scientific methods can vary dramatically between labs and experiments, there are a few features that can be found in most methods. Firstly, scientists will put forward some suggested hypotheses about the results they are expecting to find from their experiment, i.e. Explanations for the phenomena. The scientists will then design a range of experiments in order to test these hypotheses. These experiments and testing methods will need to be repeatable with the option to make slight alterations. This means that the scientist can be more certain and confident about the results and ensure that it was not a one-off.
Scientists will often also include a range of related theories to help bring the experiment, hypotheses and results together into one scientific method. Scientific methods should be as objective as possible and the results should be as clear of bias as possible. The scientists are also expected to document all parts of the method, including the hypotheses, exact details of the experiment and all of the results, so that they are available for future use and expansion. If other scientists are able to reproduce the experiment exactly it helps verify the reliability of the method and the results.
Although the exact procedures that are involved in scientific methods can vary dramatically between labs and experiments, there are a few features that can be found in most methods. Firstly, scientists will put forward some suggested hypotheses about the results they are expecting to find from their experiment, i.e. Explanations for the phenomena. The scientists will then design a range of experiments in order to test these hypotheses. These experiments and testing methods will need to be repeatable with the option to make slight alterations. This means that the scientist can be more certain and confident about the results and ensure that it was not a one-off.
Scientists will often also include a range of related theories to help bring the experiment, hypotheses and results together into one scientific method. Scientific methods should be as objective as possible and the results should be as clear of bias as possible. The scientists are also expected to document all parts of the method, including the hypotheses, exact details of the experiment and all of the results, so that they are available for future use and expansion. If other scientists are able to reproduce the experiment exactly it helps verify the reliability of the method and the results.
