Overview
This lecture explains the scientific method, detailing six key principles necessary for conducting valid scientific research and evaluating hypotheses.
The Need for the Scientific Method
- Scientific method ensures explanations of the world are valid, unlike opinions or casual observation, which are subjective and error-prone.
- It relies on systematic observation and consistent logic to evaluate claims and hypotheses.
Six Principles of the Scientific Method
1. Empirical Testability
- A hypothesis must be testable through observable and physical evidence that could support or contradict it.
- If no observable evidence is possible, the hypothesis is not scientific.
2. Replicability
- Studies must be able to be repeated with the same procedures to confirm results are not coincidental.
- Consistency in results over repeated tests increases the plausibility of a hypothesis.
3. Objectivity
- Study procedures and concepts should be clearly defined so anyone can perform the study and achieve the same results.
- Avoid subjective interpretations by explicitly stating measurement criteria.
4. Transparency
- Researchers must publicly share all assumptions, definitions, procedures, and relevant information for replication and critique.
- Transparency allows both supporters and critics to evaluate and reproduce findings.
5. Falsifiability
- A scientific hypothesis must be able to be disproven by some conceivable observation.
- Hypotheses that cannot be contradicted by any evidence are not considered scientific.
6. Logical Consistency
- Hypotheses and supporting assumptions must not contradict each other.
- Conclusions should follow logically from the observations, using the same standards for confirming or contradicting evidence.
The Scientific Attitude
- Researchers must be critical, open to critique, and willing to abandon hypotheses when better explanations arise.
- A culture of openness and critical evaluation allows science to improve and discard weaker hypotheses.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Empirical — Based on observable and measurable evidence.
- Replicability — Ability to repeat a study with the same methodology and achieve similar results.
- Objectivity — Ensuring results do not depend on the individual researcher’s perspective.
- Transparency — Openly sharing all research details for verification.
- Falsifiability — Characteristic of a hypothesis that can be proven false by evidence.
- Logical Consistency — Absence of internal contradictions in hypotheses and conclusions.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your own research or study topics for compliance with these six scientific principles.
- Be prepared to discuss examples of testable and non-testable hypotheses in class.