Difference between revisions of "Scientific method"

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*Always be honest, most importantly be honest to yourself.  
 
*Always be honest, most importantly be honest to yourself.  
  
===Theory===
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== External links ==
*A good theory is a consistent model that is built on simple undisputable facts.  
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*[http://www.physics.brocku.ca/etc/cargo_cult_science.html Cargo Cult Science by Richard Feynman]
===Hypothesis===
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*A hypothesis is a provisional idea whose merit is still to be evaluated.
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==Pseudoscience==
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*Pseudoscience is anything that pretends to be science but fails in the attempt.
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===Common signs of pseudoscience===
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*Claims with no supporting experimental evidence.
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*Claims which contradicts experimental evidence.
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*Claims that can't be proved false.
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*Failing to consider all the facts.
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*Failing to provide an experimental possibility of reproducible results.
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*Violating the principle of choosing the simplest explanation when multiple viable explanations are possible.
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Some of these may be part of the scientific process at one stage but should be eliminated through iteration of the process.
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[[Category:Science]]
 
[[Category:Science]]

Revision as of 17:35, 30 January 2007

The scientific method

  • Observations are made of certain phenomena.
  • Facts are established.
  • Patterns are looked for in data/observation.
  • Scientific principles are established, consistent with all of the evidence.
  • Predictions may be made based on the principles established.
  • Experiments are done to test the scientific principle.
  • Principle is refined/rejected depending on new observations.

Remember Trust nothing, test everything

  • Never cover up flaws in your theory, expose them instead.
  • Always be honest, most importantly be honest to yourself.

External links