The scientific method is the process by which scientists, collectively and over time, endeavor to construct an accurate (that is, reliable, consistent and non-arbitrary) representation of the world.

The scientific method has four steps

 

1. Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena.

 

2. Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena. In physics, the hypothesis often takes the form of a causal mechanism or a mathematical relation.

 

3. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict quantitatively the results of new observations.

 

4. Performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independent experimenters and properly performed experiments.

 

The scientific method is important in life because it helps you solve problems. It sets an example as to what steps to take in order to solve a problem, therefore making it easy on yourself to solve the problem.

 

Back

 

Next