Scientific Methods vs.
The Scientific Method
| CHARACTERISTICS | SCIENTIFIC METHODS | THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Name | All problem solving process methods or technical methods | The system of science and the problem solving process in all fields |
| Purpose | Methods and Techniques for use at the stages of the problem solving process | Guide and system to reliable knowledge in all subject matter areas |
| Division of Method | Sub-Master, Auxiliary and Action | The Master Method |
| Stages or Steps | Will vary with specific method | Eleven major stages |
| Sequential | Yes - some may be rigid | Yes - but highly flexible in use |
| Repeatable | Yes - but many changing at all times | Yes - Stages unlikely to change |
| Range | Specific to subject areas | Universal to nature and humans - is subject neutral |
| Reliability | Depends on method, reliability of some can be expressed as percentge | Best of all knowledge methods or guides |
| Application & Human Activity | Since specified as "scientific," must be to "standards" of scientific and research communities when applied | Since specified as "scientific," must be to "standards" of scientific and research communities when applied |
The words "scientific methods," as used today, refer to the creative, non-logical, logical or technical methods or techniques used in the problem solving process such as during the stages of the scientific method.
In a strict sense, there are no scientific methods (Popper 1983). In a narrow sense, the only scientific methods are the technical ones that usually involve the use of tools, instruments and apparatus (Wolf 1930).
In a wide sense, scientific methods are any type of method used according to the usual high quality of application by scientists. Thus, most problem solving methods used "scientifically" can be called a scientific method (Copi 1982).
The term "the scientific method" represents the general pattern of the types of mental activity stages (usually aided by physical activities) that occur in the master method, which we use to obtain, refine, extend and apply knowledge in all fields.
Over all, it represents the system of science and the complete problem solving process.
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