What is the scientific method
As a scientific method it is called set of standards by which we must be governed to produce knowledge with scientific rigor and validity.
As such, it is a structured and systematic way of approaching research in the field of science.
In this sense, it uses observation, experimentation, demonstration of hypotheses and logical reasoning to verify the results obtained and expand the knowledge that was available in that matter. Their findings can give rise to laws and theories.
Simply put, the scientific method It is a research tool whose objective is to resolve the questions formulated through systematic work and, in this sense, verify the truth or falsity of a thesis.
Hence, a scientific article is the result of a study carried out and verified through the scientific method.
The scientific method, to be considered as such, must have two features: must be able to be reproducible by anyone, anywhere; and it must be able to be refutablesince every scientific proposition must be susceptible to being objected.
Steps of the scientific method
The scientific method consists of a series of basic steps that must be followed with the utmost rigor to guarantee the validity of its result.
Observation
It is the initial phase. It includes the investigation, collection, analysis and organization of data related to the topic that interests us.
Proposition
It is the starting point of our work. It raises the doubt that we propose to clear up.
Hypothesis
It is the approach of the possible solution to the problem or issue that we are going to deal with. In this sense, it is based on an assumption that marks the work plan that we will draw up, since we will try to demonstrate its validity or falsity.
Verification and experimentation
In this step, we will try to test our hypothesis through experiments subject to the scientific rigor of our research.
Demonstration
It is the part where we analyze whether we have managed to demonstrate our hypothesis based on the data obtained.
Conclusions
Is the final stage. Here the causes of the results of our research are indicated, and we reflect on the scientific knowledge it generated.
See also: Scientific research, Science and Empirical method.
Example of the scientific method
Below is an example of how the scientific method can be applied to answer a question or find a solution.
Observation: It is observed that the leaves of the trees and plants are green.
Proposition: Why are the leaves of trees and plants green?
Hypothesis: There are two hypotheses. 1) Trees and plants have green leaves because they have the pigment chlorophyll which is responsible for photosynthesis. 2) The leaves of trees and plants are green because they carry out the process through which they produce food.
Verification and experimentation: Below is a short and easy experiment. Two or three green leaves from a tree or plant are taken as a sample, placed in a container with alcohol and placed on the fire until it boils.
Demonstration: When boiling you can see that the alcohol changes color and turns green. This occurs because the leaves have the pigment called chlorophyll through which photosynthesis takes place.
Conclusions: It is concluded that both hypotheses are valid after the demonstration. The leaves of trees and plants are green because they have chlorophyll, a very important pigment in nature and responsible for photosynthesis.
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