The
scientific method is a body of
techniques for investigating
phenomena, acquiring new
knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.[SUP]
[1][/SUP] To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on
empirical and
measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning.[SUP]
[2][/SUP] The
Oxford English Dictionary defines the scientific method as "a method or procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of
hypotheses."[SUP]
[3][/SUP]
The chief characteristic which distinguishes the scientific method from other methods of
acquiring knowledge is that scientists seek to let
reality speak for itself, supporting a theory when a theory's predictions are confirmed and challenging a theory when its predictions prove
false. Although procedures vary from one
field of inquiry to another, identifiable features distinguish scientific inquiry from other methods of obtaining knowledge. Scientific researchers propose hypotheses as explanations of phenomena and design
experimental studies to test these hypotheses via predictions which can be derived from them. These steps must be repeatable to guard against mistake or confusion in any particular experimenter.
Theories that encompass wider domains of inquiry may bind many independently derived hypotheses together in a coherent, supportive structure. Theories, in turn, may help form new hypotheses or place groups of hypotheses into context.
Scientific inquiry is intended to be as
objective as possible in order to minimize
bias. Another basic expectation is the documentation,
archiving and
sharing of all data collected or produced and of the
methodologies used so they may be available for careful scrutiny and attempts by other scientists to
reproduce and verify them. This practice, known as
full disclosure, also means that
statistical measures of their
reliability may be made.