A up RESEARCH GUIDEBOOK

T
he scientific method is the process by which science is done. It is the process for
studying nature’s phenomena in order to correct, validate or integrate earlier
knowledge, or gain new knowledge. Science develops from established knowledge so
it continually increases our understanding of the universe.
The scientific method is a thought-provoking process; it entails vision, creativity,
intellect and intuition. The different steps of the scientific method described here are typical
of the natural sciences. The techniques pertain mainly to the experimental sciences, such as
biology, chemistry and physics. However, the process of formulating scientific inquiry, making
hypothesis, deducing prediction, doing experiment, analyzing results and sharing knowledge
through publication are similar to those in other disciplines. Briefly, the basic steps of the
scientific method are: (1) scientific inquiry, (2) hypothesis, (3) prediction, (4) experiment, (5)
analysis and (6) publication.
Scientific inquiry is the formulation of a question usually based on observations. The
inquiry may be definite, such as: “What causes red tide?” or indefinite, such as: “How can I
invent a drug that can cure Alzheimer’s disease?” The objective of a scientific inquiry is to
obtain knowledge that can be proven by experiment. This step involves analyzing experiences
and examining earlier studies of other researchers. If the answer has been established, other
scientific inquiry based on present knowledge can be defined.
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