Elements of Scientific Method - Essay Example

Scientific methods are regarded as a set of techniques that are usually used by scientific communities to investigate natural phenomena. These methods are usually applied only after setting an objective framework for scientific investigation or inquiry.

Reproducible – the test that is targeted within a scientific approach must be able to be reproduced in another study and by different observers using indefinitely extended trials in the future.  

Falsifiable – this is concerned with the fact that the hypothesis should sometimes be proven incorrect using observable data set within the experiment; otherwise, the experiment is never pegged on the research hypothesis fully.  Parsimonious – this provides the limits of the number of valid experimental proofs. It notes that only a limited number of hypotheses and assumptions should be proposed within a theory. 

Pertinent – all the process steps must be focused on explaining and describing observable phenomena.  Observable - this notes that the hypothesis presented must allow measurable and observable experimental results. Consistent – this element requires the use of the law of reasoning in formulating the hypotheses and the same should be made consistent with broader and currently understood scientific laws (Murty 43). It is worth noting that it is only in rare cases that the hypothesis within a broader usually turns out to be incomplete or incorrect.  Objective – nearly in all experimental works, scientific methods often intend to eliminate cultural and personal biases by focusing only on the research objectives and objective testing procedures. 

It is worth noting that effective application of the scientific method elements is significant in eliminating biases, unnecessary complications, and inconsistencies thereby helping in creating an accurate theoretical framework and structure that describes the natural world (Gauch 78). In essence, the scientific method elements usually help in regulating research work and exemplifying the scientific method principles. 

Realistic Experiment  Hypothesis: “A vegetarian diet is better than meat containing diet for puppies after they have been weaned (i.e. when they are at least 12 weeks old).” In the above hypothesis, the dependent variable is the health of the puppies while the independent variables are the meat-containing and vegetarian diets. 

 Realistic Experimental Design  1. Formulation of the research question  2. Research the topic 3. Formulating a hypothesis 4. Testing the hypothesis 5. Analyzing data  6. Concluding and making recommendations Note: if the data is unable to support the hypothesis, then it must be modified or rejected and retested. Read More