Scientific Method

We keep hearing this term used in discussions about the history of science and even modern science. What exactly is the Scientific Method?

Basically, it's a bunch of techniques used to determine how things work. The 'things' are the phenomena that we see and observe in nature. Remember that the scientific method is used in all branches of science. Many sciences involve observation. This would be the natural science like biology and astronomy. Sciences like chemistry and physics require experimentation.

Astronomy involves a lot of observation through telescopes. Let's say that someone claims to have discovered a new extraterrestrial planet. The data needed to prove this claim comes in the form of observation of the planet's course around a star as evidenced by a slight dimming of the star's light. This requires a very accurate and sensitive photometer. After many repeated observations, the data must be consistent to prove the existence of the planet.

Chemistry is a science that deals with substances. A synthetic chemist devises a series of steps to create a new substance. The series of steps involve reactions of base substances to create this new material. Then, the chemist must prove that the new substance has the molecular structure that he or she proposed. This involves using analytical methods like Infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. In some cases it may involves something more exotic like NMR, which stands for Nuclear Magnetic resonance, a form of spectroscopy that uses magnetic fields to cause a substance to emit specific electromagnetic energy indicative of the molecular structure of the substance.

Physics involves conducting experiments to define physical characteristics of nature. A simple example would be measuring the tensile strength of a new alloy. This would be determined using a tensile strength instrument. A sample of the material would be subjected to a stretching force until it broke. The point at which it broke would define its tensile strength as measured over a specific area.

The main purpose of science is to explain how things work in nature and be able to prove the explanation by either repeated duplicate observations or by being able to duplicate an experimental process. Proof is in the pudding, they say, and in science proof is in the experimental results.

Fortunately, today there are many new and unique experimental methods for determining natural processes. Astronomers have much better telescopes both on Earth and in space. Chemists have new more advanced instruments for determining molecular structures. Physicists have the Hadron Collider to find new quantum particles. They can use atomic clocks to measure time down to an incredibly small period. Electron microscopes have been improved to the point of seeing atoms. New, more advanced spacecraft probes have been sent out to observe the objects in our solar system. Science is making good use of the scientific method.

Thanks for reading.