The Scientific Method Today

This booklet is dedicated to Dr. Kenneth B.M. Crooks (1905-1959) whose article "Suggestions for Teaching the Scientific Method" inspired me to write it. It is also dedicated tot he past and present members of the intellectual community from whose books and publications I have compiled most of the information in this pamphlet.

So many works have been reviewed, it is not possible to credit individuals. They used their many personal attributes productively. Thanks to them all!

Let us also remember the millions of scientists, researchers, inventors, and other problem solvers who have displayed curriosity, persistence, creativity, and honesty in their work. We need to thank them for their contributions to world knowledge and for trying to make this world a better place in which to live.

Stage #11:

TAKE ACTION

This is often called the "gaining acceptance" stage.

1. Review your plans and goals. Have the courage to act now.
2. Innovation and creativity can help immensely. Read how to present, sell, and gain acceptance of your concluding hypothesis. Get other opinions.
3. Give proper credit to your team, reference sources, and associates.
4. Report the social and ecological effects of your hypothesis.
5. Look ahead, mention possibilities that others may not see.

Scientific thoery, process, discovery - You will usually prepare a report using the IMRAD format of Introduction, Method, Results, and Discussion . This can be submitted to a scientific journal for peer review and possible publication.

Other possibilities:

Invention, technological design, new product idea - Do any of the above; make a model, apply for a patent, do market research, make an effort to gain acceptance, and sell or merchandise the product.

Decision, plan, dispute, social science problem, geography or history research, the arts - Do any of the above. Implement a solution, if possible. Prevent future problems.

Recommendations - If submitted to authoritative body, wait for review. If modified, rejected, or partially accepted, you will have to coil back to one of the earlier ingredients and work ahead again.

New problems - Solving one problem often leads to new problems. Maybe you made some surprise discoveries or saw opportunities for research in new areas. Consider all consequences - make predictions. Offer clues and leads. Mention in your report.

Obstacles to acceptance - Many eventually highly successful hypotheses have had a very rough road to acceptance. Others have won immediate popularity. Thus, your action may have to include overcoming these obstacles that cause people to reject new things:

Aids to Acceptance - All through your problem solving you must think of ways to gain acceptance. Review these and investigate any other ideas. Now develop and apply them.