The Scientific Method Today

The SM-14 Formula
for the General Pattern of the
Scientific Method

MAJOR STAGES

PART I - Observation through Hypothesis

 1. Curious Observation
 2. Is There a Problem?
 3. Goals and Planning
 4. Search, Explore, and Gather
     the Evidence
 5. Generate Creative and
     Logical Alternatives
 6. Evaluate the Evidence
 7. Make the Educated Guess
     (Hypothesis)

PART II - Challenge through Suspend Judgment

 8. Challenge the Hypothesis
 9. Reach a Conclusion
10. Suspend Judgment

PART III - Implementation, Peer Review

11. Take Action

SUPPORTING INGREDIENTS

12. Creative, Non-Logical,
      Logical, and Technical
      Methods
13. Procedural Principles and
      Theories
14. Atributes and Thinking Skills

This Is The Scientific Method
A Well-researched Description of the Problem Solving & Research Process

The research process is not just a collection of miscellaneous "scientific methods." Scientists and other researchers do not proceed in a haphazard fashion. Centuries of trial and error, research, discussions and debates have led to a realization of the general pattern of the scientific method.

The pattern represents the major stages of how we obtain, refine and apply knowledge in all fields. The method of science has been called by many names, most commonly the scientific method. It is also a complete method of creative problem solving and decision making for all fields.

Each stage (1-11) represents a different type of mental activity (usually aided by physical actions). The method is subject neutral.

Flexible Order of Use - While the stages are listed in the usual order of use, in actual practice they will be utilized in a very flexible manner as progress on complex problems is seldom smooth. In using the stages there will be backtracking, skipping, false starts, looping, sub-problems, and other diversions.

These are included in the SM-14 formula as ingredients rather than stages to help people understand "the method" and as an aid to teaching it to students and others. Presenting only the stages doewn't give you a completee picture of the overall system. The scientific method is the master method of all methods.

The word "method" in the term, "the scientific method," is a collective term for the stages. "Scientific" qualifies how scientists and others have historically utilized the stages of the method to accomplish results. Their methods, procedures and human activities are ingredients 12-14; Procedural Principles and Theories; and Attributes and Thinking skills.

The SM-14 formula embodies the complete method of science - its stages, techniques used, procedural principles and theories, attributes and skills needed and submission to the process of peer review at Stage 11.