What is a scientific method? Why is it not adequately emphasized in schools?

 

What is a scientific method? Why is it not adequately emphasized in schools?

Sujay Rao Mandavilli

 

The scientific method is a commonly and widely used method in science. It is used for acquiring knowledge, and formulating hypotheses, theories, and laws. Scientific method was been used is some shape and form from ancient times, particularly from the times of the Ancient Greeks some two thousand five hundred years ago. It has however been greatly refined and has matured ever since, particularly from the period of the European renaissance and enlightenment in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Most of the important and key steps of the scientific method have been carefully and systematically laid down by scientists. Some of the key and important features of scientific method are careful observation, systematic study, objectivity precision and rigour. These are all qualities any young and budding scientists must inculcate from a young age. One must also not take anything for granted, or accept anything at face value without a careful consideration and examination. One must also be skeptical at all times. The word skepticism in science is an extremely important concept that all students must know. It means doubting everything and anything, unless proof is available, and can be provided. Skepticism must also be healthy, and one must not be overly skeptical where it is not possible or necessary to be skeptical. The latter is known as skeptopathy. This is an important aspect all students and learners must bear in mind at all times. Healthy skepticism is often the starting point for the meaningful acquisition of all forms of knowledge.

There is generally no completely standardized scientific method in use. Even though most of the steps in scientific method are common to all forms of scientific activity, variations may exist. The first step in a scientific method is often the formulation of a research problem through which gaps in research and in current understanding are identified. Research questions are also then identified. These are the questions the research seeks to answer. Existing research and already conducted research studies by other scientists are also carefully and methodologically analyzed. There must also be a systematic observation of various aspects of daily life, or of a scientific phenomenon as necessary. Details notes and observations must also be made wherever and whenever necessary. The next most common step involved is the generation of a preliminary or a working hypothesis. This kind of a hypothesis is usually extremely tentative, and may be modified and refined as time progresses, and as more and more data becomes available. Hypotheses must also of course be thoroughly examined and tested, and for this, scientific experiments are necessary. Scientific experiments must be performed carefully, and under controlled conditions. Based on the results of the experiment, the hypothesis may be modified, and improved upon. Only in very rare cases, is it completely discarded.

If necessary, the improved hypothesis may be tested again, although this is often left to the discretion of the researcher. In many cases, a thorough and systematic examination of the research problem and the research question or questions may be necessary along with multiple rounds of analysis. This is because real world issues are often very complex, and cannot be understood very easily.  Hypotheses evolve into theories in due course, and some of these may evolve into laws. Research must be carried out studiously and meticulously because research is often the basis for further downstream research. The results of research must also be communicated to other researchers, and the general public so that everyone becomes aware of it. This is also another important step but is sometimes ignored by scientists. Researchers must also serve the needs of society very well; therefore, the needs of science and society must be borne in mind at all times. Therefore, researchers may need to prioritize research on the basis of what is important to society. All researchers and scientists must pay attention to this principle, and always keep it close to their heart. It is only then, that science and scientific knowledge can progress rapidly. However, unfortunately, the teaching of scientific method is neglected in Indian schools and other schools. Students (many graduates included) cannot distinguish even between science and pseudoscience. It is time to remediate this and set this right. Policy makers must always bear this in mind, both in India, and elsewhere.  The days of mainly and chiefly rote learning are now passé in this age of google and the internet. Only some amount of rote learning will still be acquired, mostly to learn the basics. Another problem may be that planners fear that scientific awareness among the masses will diminish the importance of religion. These are foolish fears. We must get past all this silly considerations in due course, if not immediately.