Comparing the scientific method and the engineering method of problem solving - Essay Example

Conversely, engineering is based on the tenets of coming up with new inventions that have not been in existence before. However, it is worthwhile noting that both scientific and engineering approaches may be integrated to solve a problem. Nevertheless, the need to create better understanding necessitates a comparison of scientific and engineering approaches in relation to problem solving. Due to objective differences, science and engineering follow different processes in coming up with solutions.

A scientific approach begins with a question seeking answers to a particular phenomenon. This is then followed by a background research on the various studies related to the phenomenon at hand. The background research may touch on directly related studies considered to be standard or accurate. As such, a scientist is able to identify loop holes, if any, in the current studies giving guidance on the particular problem at hand. However, more importantly is that a background research enables formulation of an appropriate hypothesis.

The hypothesis purports to offer a better explanation compared to already existing ones in relation to given problems. As such, before advancing further, the proposed hypothesis must first be tested against the existing ones. This implies that a new proposition must explain a phenomenon that has not been explained by the already existing ones. A valid proposed hypothesis is then subjected to a number of tests to prove its workability and validate its predictions. If the proposed hypothesis shows the predicted results, it is accepted and adopted as the new best hypothesis giving a solution to the particular problem in play.

However, if a hypothesis arrives at already known phenomena it only increases credibility of already existing hypothesis rather than replacing them. Conversely, if a hypothesis fails to meet the predicted threshold, it is rejected. However, a hypothesis normally undergoes a couple of experiments to eliminate room for error.