Scientific method

Scientific methods or processes are considered fundamental to the scientific investigation and acquisition of new knowledge based upon physical evidence by scientific communities. Scientists use observations and reasoning to develop technologies and propose explanations for natural phenomena in the form of hypotheses. Predictions from these hypotheses are tested by experiment and further technologies developed. Any hypothesis which is cogent enough to make predictions can then be tested reproducibly in this way. Once it has been established that a hypothesis is sound (by use of the above methods), it becomes a theory. Sometimes scientific development takes place differently with a theory first being developed gaining support on the basis of its logic and principles. For example the theory of general relativity was invented, gained supporters, and only later confirmed by experiment.

Related Topics:
Process - Scientific - Knowledge - Scientific communities - Observation - Reasoning - Hypotheses - Prediction - Experiment - Technologies - Cogent enough - Reproducibly - Theory - For example - General relativity

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A common viewpoint is to take scientific methods as the underlying logic of scientific practices, e.g., Karl Popper. However, the emphasis on underlying logic is disputed by those emphasizing sociological aspects (see sociology of science and sociology of scientific knowledge). Scientific methods are means used by scientific communities for building supportable, evidence-based understandings of our natural world. There is often controversy in scientific communities about various aspects of these understandings.

Related Topics:
Karl Popper - Sociology of science - Sociology of scientific knowledge - Evidence - Understandings - World - Controversy - Scientific communities

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