Scientific method of study

SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY

            Scientific method of study can be distinguished it from other branches of knowledge. It consists of following important stages:

1.  Observation                        2.  Hypothesis             3.  Experiment             4. Formation of theory

Observation:

It is the most crucial stage of scientific methodology. The careful and accurate observation of natural phenomena is the formation of scientific research. The observation should be made in best possible depth and detail.

 

Hypothesis:

            Observation leads to hypothesis. It is formed to describe observed data in a well defined relation between different aspects of observations. Hypothesis should explain the observed phenomena & predict new observable consequences.

Experiment:

            These are conducted to test the hypothesis/ prediction of hypothesis. If experimental results prove the hypothesis, new experiments are performed by different scientists to verify the earlier results. Hypothesis is passed to a large number of experiments which carefully analyze its each and every aspect. When hypothesis are proved through experiments, it becomes a scientific theory which can only be proved under controlled conditions.

Formation of Theory:

            After passing through the experimental stage, a hypothesis takes the form of theory. Theory explains results, reasons and facts about the phenomena. Scientific theories are never regarded as final. Whenever a new experimental result is discovered which contradict the already established theory, attempts are made to modify the existence of theory to include the new result. If the attempts to modify the theory are failed, theory is abandoned.