The scientific method is a systematic approach to knowledge production applied in the sciences. It is based on observation, experimentation, testing of hypotheses, and logical reasoning to verify and expand existing knowledge.
The scientific method aims to answer questions and verify theories through rigorous and verifiable work.
To be considered a valid scientific method, it must meet two important criteria: it must be reproducible by anyone anywhere and be refutable, meaning it can be objected to or debunked. This ensures that the findings are robust and reliable.
Steps of the Scientific Method
The basic steps of the scientific method include observation, proposition, hypothesis, verification and experimentation, demonstration, and conclusions. During the observation phase, information related to the research topic is collected and analyzed. The proposition raises the question or doubt that one wants to resolve. The hypothesis is the possible solution to the question and is based on the assumption that will be tried to demonstrate or refute.
Verification and experimentation are the steps in which the hypothesis is tested and rigorous and controlled experiments are performed. The demonstration analyzes whether the hypothesis has been proven or not based on the data obtained. Finally, in the conclusions, the causes of the results obtained are identified, and reflection is made on the scientific knowledge generated.
An example of the use of the scientific method
An example of the scientific method would be investigating why the leaves of trees and plants are green. The initial observation is that the leaves are green. The proposition is, “why are the leaves of trees and plants green?” The hypotheses are that the leaves are green due to the pigment chlorophyll, responsible for photosynthesis, or due to the production of food through photosynthesis.
Verification and experimentation include performing an experiment in which samples of green leaves are taken and analyzed to determine the presence of chlorophyll. The demonstration is based on the experiment’s results, and the conclusions indicate that the leaves are green due to the presence of chlorophyll.
