The Scientific Method Essay

The scientific method is used in scientific research to set standards and benchmarks for what can be considered science. It is a systematic procedure for creating and testing data for the purposes of creating a solution or hypothesis of any given topic. The scientific method can be applied to any situation to gain valuable data for the advancement of knowledge. Using the scientific method in the social sciences includes using techniques and tactics such as qualitative and quantitative data gathering, analysis/experimentation, discussion, and theory generation. These techniques are used to build and gain knowledge for any particular study. In using the scientific method, a study and data must also be testable and verifiable. One source that outlines the scientific method and many other concepts in social science research is the online text, Social Science Research Principles, Methods, and Practices from University of South Florida, authored by Anol Bhattacherjee. In the text, one particular section speaks to the use of the scientific method to create scientific knowledge. It outlines and defines what the scientific method is and what specific variables are needed for a study to be considered scientific. 

In describing the scientific method, Bhattacherjee states

The scientific method allows researchers to independently and impartially test preexisting theories and prior findings, and subject them to open debate, modifications, or enhancements (Bhattacherjee, 2012).

For a study to be considered scientific it must satisfy four general concepts

1. The study must be able to be replicated. Scientific research is about the generation ideas and theories that examine a given topic/subject. If studies were not able to be replicated, then it would be impossible to prove that the study is valid (or if it was even conducted in the first place).

2. The study must be measurable. As stated above, scientific research uses many different techniques to study a given topic. For example, using qualitative and/or quantitative data to conduct scientific analysis. The data can be described, in many cases, as quite dense or complicated. Like replicability, if a study is not clearly measured in a way that others can understand and conduct analysis, the study cannot be proved to be valid or useful.

3. The study must be defined and presented in a way that it could be disproven. A theory is exactly that, a theory, it is not fact. Scientific research is used to generate theories and compile information/data so that eventually that theory couldbecome fact. Scientists aiming to challenge a theory must collect data and disprove the current accepted theory. Theories must be presented in a way that they could possibly be disproven and refined. 

4. Studies and scientists must regard the simplest answer as the most plausible. The simplest answer or "Occams razor," is one way of conducting and accepting a study. The concept of Occams razor tries to quell scientists from pursuing outlandish and complicated theories that actually do not explain, in detail, the given subject. The simplest answer tends to be the most plausible in scientific situations.