Scientific Method

Bacon, Francis croppedThe principal element of the scientific method is observation independent of bias. Popularized by Francis Bacon (pictured left) during the seventeenth century, it is an empirical method of observation, measurement, and experimentation to formulate, test, and inductively develop hypotheses on the principles of nature.

In the wake of the successful use of this method earlier by Nicholaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei, upending Greek philosopher’s theory of geocentrism, By advancing this method, Bacon established the world’s first scientific organization, the Royal Society, in 1645.

Scientific Method

The term “scientific method” emerged in the 19th century to establish clear boundaries between science and non-science. According to Wikipedia

“The scientific method is an empirical method for acquiring knowledge that has characterized the development of science since at least the 17th century. It involves careful observation, applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed, given that cognitive assumptions can distort how one interprets the observation. It involves formulating hypotheses, via induction, based on such observations; the testability of hypotheses, experimental and the measurement-based statistical testing of deductions drawn from the hypotheses; and refinement (or elimination) of the hypotheses based on the experimental findings.”

Key Processes

Royal SocietyScience is a process using different methods to achieve different aims. The Scientific Method is critical for characterizing the laws driving the patterns and regularities observed in nature. While often expressed mathematically, these laws universally govern nature in the conditions studied.

Theories validated using the Scientific Method aim to explain how nature works and why it exhibits certain characteristics. Key processes of the Scientific Method include –

  1. Hypothesis Development: Researchers begin by formulating a hypothesis—a testable and falsifiable statement that explains a phenomenon. This hypothesis guides subsequent investigations.
  2. Testing and Modification: Scientists conduct experiments or tests to evaluate the hypothesis. They observe outcomes, collect data, and modify the hypothesis based on the results. An iterative falsification testing process continues until the stated hypothesis is either validated, revised, or invalidated by the observed phenomena.
  3. Independent and Dependent Variables: In experiments, scientists manipulate an independent variable deliberately. The dependent variable responds to changes in the independent variable. Other variables are controlled. This helps establish cause-and-effect relationships.
  4. Natural Laws: Natural laws describe or predict natural phenomena based on repeated experiments or observations. They often take the form of mathematical equations.

While the Scientific Method serves as a powerful tool for understanding nature, success in validating theories of evolution have been limited.

Methods in Science

The Scientific Method aims to explain how nature works. However, the question is not how evolution works, the question is – does scientific evidence support evolution working beyond the level of adaptation (microevolution) – to speciation (macroevolution)?

Therefore, the Scientific Method has not played a major toll in studying evolution. Other available study methods include experimental research and empirical research.

Richard Lenski’s E coli experiment is one of the best examples of experimental research. However, except for observing adaptation (microevolution), evidence for “the origin of species” (macroevolution) has yet to emerge.

Empiric research continues to dominate evolution studies – the approach Darwin practiced. However, empiric research only studies observable and measurable characteristics, it does not test or address cause-and-effect relationships as does experimental research.

As a consequence, Darwin never scientifically validated any of his theories.

 


Subscribe

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Scientism’s Skeptics – The Conservative Insider - […] than Darwin’s own work? After all, Darwin didn’t use the scientific method, either, and worried that his work was…

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This