Overview
This lecture explains the scientific method, focusing on its six guiding principles to ensure valid, objective, and reliable scientific knowledge.
Importance of the Scientific Method
- The scientific method provides a systematic way to gain valid knowledge about the world.
- Opinions, beliefs, and informal logic are too subjective and prone to error for scientific inquiry.
Six Principles of the Scientific Method
1. Empirical Testability
- A hypothesis must be empirically testable, meaning it can be supported or contradicted by observable data.
2. Replicability
- Studies and findings must be replicable; repeating the study should produce the same results.
3. Objectivity
- Procedures, assumptions, and concepts should be clearly defined so any researcher can independently reproduce the results.
4. Transparency
- All relevant information about the research process and assumptions should be publicly shared to allow replication and critique.
5. Falsifiability
- Hypotheses must be falsifiable; there must be conceivable evidence that could prove the hypothesis wrong.
6. Logical Consistency
- Hypotheses and conclusions must be logically consistent and free of internal contradictions.
Critical Attitude in Science
- Scientists should be open to criticism, transparent, and willing to abandon hypotheses if better evidence arises.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hypothesis — A testable statement predicting a relationship or outcome.
- Empirical — Based on observable or measurable evidence.
- Replicable — Able to be repeated with consistent results.
- Objectivity — Minimizing personal bias in measurement and definition.
- Transparency — Open sharing of procedures and data.
- Falsifiability — The ability to be proven false through evidence.
- Logical Consistency — Internal coherence without contradiction.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the six principles and apply them to evaluating or designing research studies.
- Be critical of hypotheses and open to peer feedback in scientific discussions.