Difference between revisions of "Scientific method"
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The '''scientific method''' is a way to establish descriptions of any given self-consistent universe. Widely lauded for its success in the real world, it is regularly applied to the [[versus|Star Trek vs Star Wars]] debate. | The '''scientific method''' is a way to establish descriptions of any given self-consistent universe. Widely lauded for its success in the real world, it is regularly applied to the [[versus|Star Trek vs Star Wars]] debate. | ||
In general, the scientific method proceeds as follows: | |||
# Make an observation. | |||
# Propose a [[hypothesis]] to explain the observation. | |||
# Make a prediction, based on the hypothesis. | |||
# Test the hypothesis to determine whether its predictions are accurate. | |||
A good hypothesis generates accurate predictions that can be tested repeatedly with consistent results. Note that proving a hypothesis false is just as scientifically valid as proving a hypothesis accurate. Note also that a hypothesis is never "proven true"; it is only shown to be accurate. | |||
<!-- ==Methodological Naturalism== | <!-- ==Methodological Naturalism== | ||
Revision as of 22:04, 20 May 2009
The scientific method is a way to establish descriptions of any given self-consistent universe. Widely lauded for its success in the real world, it is regularly applied to the Star Trek vs Star Wars debate.
In general, the scientific method proceeds as follows:
- Make an observation.
- Propose a hypothesis to explain the observation.
- Make a prediction, based on the hypothesis.
- Test the hypothesis to determine whether its predictions are accurate.
A good hypothesis generates accurate predictions that can be tested repeatedly with consistent results. Note that proving a hypothesis false is just as scientifically valid as proving a hypothesis accurate. Note also that a hypothesis is never "proven true"; it is only shown to be accurate.
See also
Science on Stardestroyer.net