Ans: Before theorizing Scientists use Observation, Hypothesis, and Deductions to propose explanations for natural phenomena. Experiment proves the theorization. If prediction turns out to be correct, the theories survive.
.There are four elements of scientific method: Characterization, Hypothesis, Prediction and Experimentation, and if theories pass all these four processes then only it can be said to be scientific.
Following four process validates the scientific process
1. Random observation method: investigation goes with the process of observation & experimentation without creating any concrete hypothesis in this method
2. Systematic exploration: This is improvement over first method. It is planned way to explore new relationship of various factors of phenomenon.
3. Testing of well defined hypothesis: Specific hypothesis is formed, and the investigation work is confined to testing the validity of the hypothesis so formed.
4. Experiment directed to systematic theory: this is most refined method of systematic investigation. On the basis of theory certain generalization are made. Empirical observations are then made and necessary data are collected to verify if generalization are correct.
Steps in Scientific method:
1. Formulation of problem & hypothesis
2. Collection of information/ data
3. Analysis of information/ data
4. Generalization of finding
5. Report writing
· Ordinary Observation & Scientific observation:
1. Casual observation are frequently inaccurate. Science helps alleviate this error by mandating conscious observation.
2. People frequently over-generalize on the basis of few limited observation. Scientist protects themselves against over generalization by employing large random samples & replicating studies.
3. General people observe selectively & ignore that don’t want. But the scientific approach helps to protect against these error by applying investigation process.
4. General people do illogical reasoning, there may be question over validity but science provide system of logic.
5. In comparison to casual inquiry, scientific inquiry is more careful than our casual inquiry.
Authority is the trusted source. Source may be some scholar, teacher, parents, book or any one. Here question raise about credibility & validity. Here belief has been established by source. Authority for one may not be the same for others. Authority may misguide because we never question authority. Source is not verified. But science, always give opportunity to go for numbers of examination, verification, verification & experimentations. In science, question may be raised over authority. Due to this, many scholars still research on Newton’s laws & suggest further theories.
Intuition is intellect we put to understand something. Reasoning, logic, intellect, experience is used to gain knowledge in this process. Here people rely on own analytical power. Its main drawback is people may knowledgeable but may be confused. E.g. Aristotle said women to be inferior & women to have 31 teeth. He reached to this conclusion without any examination; it was based on his intellect only.
Truth rests on assumptions; lots of people believe that why it is valid; this kind of observation or gaining of knowledge is tenacity. It’s traditional, people believe from one generation to another. There is no examination, no chance of verification -just believe what is believed. Whereas scientific inquiry doesn’t believe in such beliefs, it goes from characterization to experimentation followed by hypothesis & different examinations. But science never believes on methodologies. Science begins from Characterization, Hypothesis, Prediction and finally Experimentation; so, science is considered more trustworthy method of knowing than Tenacity, Authority, and Intuition.
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