The Scientific Method- Do Scientists REALLY Use It?

I began learning about the scientific method in elementary school. Although a few steps are often added or dismissed, the scientific method follows a general pattern:

1. Observe a phenomenon and develop a question

2. Research the topic

3. Create a hypothesis

4. Design and perform an experiment

5. Collect data and draw conclusions

6. Share the results

I remember thinking the scientific method was not important. At first, I doubted that scientists even used it. After discovering that science was not my strongest subject, I doubted that ANYBODY would use it. However, I have been proven wrong.

I asked two of the best scientists I know if they follow the scientific method when they conduct experiments. Dr. Finney was a physics teacher at my high school. Dr. Keim is my current psychology teacher (psychology is indeed a hard science!).

Dr. Keim expressed that most psychologists use the scientific method. Within her answer, she explained two main ways in which psychologists work with it. One is inductive reasoning, in which one starts with data and ends with theory (this is used to form a hypothesis or theory). The other is deductive reasoning, in which one starts with theory and collects data (this is used to test hypothesis and reasoning). However, Dr. Keim stated that the most difficult part for her has been getting her discoveries published in the scientific world, as it must be reviewed and revised many times. She is currently in the process of doing this, and it has been going on for years.

This image displays a more web-like
view of the scientific method

Dr. Finney has an elaborate view on the scientific method. She says that the scientific method should not be viewed as linear (as it is usually taught in general science classes); it should be seen as a circular or web-like procedure. She often develops a question, but realizes through research that she must change the question before moving on. Through experimentation, Dr. Finney might see something and form another question. In this case, the experimental stage acts as the observational stage for another experiment. She also might find that she is unable to draw a conclusion from the experiment she designed or the experiment is not as repeatable as she expected it to be. Once a conclusion is drawn, she may decide to narrow her focus before reporting her results. The scientific method cannot possibly be used as a simple step-by-step procedure because science is such an intricate subject.

Dr. Finney also highlighted her tendency to apply the scientific method to everyday life because it provides a logical and systematic approach to all issues.

Through discussing the scientific method and its use with REAL scientists, I have found that it is a necessary part to any experiment. Psychologists (like Dr. Keim) follow the scientific method to observe humans. Other scientists (like Dr. Finney) apply the method to all of their experiments. As Dr. Finney said, it can also be used for problem-solving in our daily lives.

Great… There’s another reason to pay attention in science class.

All information was provided by Dr. Finney and Dr. Keim, respectively.