The Scientific Method Today

Scientific Methods vs.
The Scientific Method

CHARACTERISTICS	SCIENTIFIC METHODS	THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Name	All problem solving process methods or technical methods	The system of science and the problem solving process in all fields
Purpose	Methods and Techniques for use at the stages of the problem solving process	Guide and system to reliable knowledge in all subject matter areas
Division of Method	Sub-Master, Auxiliary and Action	The Master Method
Stages or Steps	Will vary with specific method	Eleven major stages
Sequential	Yes - some may be rigid	Yes - but highly flexible in use
Repeatable	Yes - but many changing at all times	Yes - Stages unlikely to change
Range	Specific to subject areas	Universal to nature and humans - is subject neutral
Reliability	Depends on method, reliability of some can be expressed as percentge	Best of all knowledge methods or guides
Application & Human Activity	Since specified as "scientific," must be to "standards" of scientific and research communities when applied	Since specified as "scientific," must be to "standards" of scientific and research communities when applied

The words “scientific methods,” as used today, refer to the creative, non-logical, logical or technical methods or techniques used in the problem solving process such as during the stages of the scientific method.

In a strict sense, there are no scientific methods (Popper 1983). In a narrow sense, the only scientific methods are the technical ones that usually involve the use of tools, instruments and apparatus (Wolf 1930).

In a wide sense, scientific methods are any type of method used according to the usual high quality of application by scientists. Thus, most problem solving methods used “scientifically” can be called a scientific method (Copi 1982).

The term “the scientific method” represents the general pattern of the types of mental activity stages (usually aided by physical activities) that occur in the master method, which we use to obtain, refine, extend and apply knowledge in all fields.

Over all, it represents the system of science and the complete problem solving process.

Copyright © 2000, Norman W. Edmund - All Rights Reserved