Basics of Scientific Method

The scientists have string curiosities. It is difficult to find the answers for all of them without logical solutions. It becomes necessary to define a problem, to experiment it, analyze it and then come to a conclusion. A scientific method helps to draw a definite conclusion.
1.    Observation: Most biological investigations start with an observation. It could be a structure, process or a behavioural pattern, that raises inquires like why, how, when etc.
2.    Defining a Problem: A scientist’s natural reaction is to ask questions about it. What will happen? Why is it so? How does it take place? etc.
3.    Hypothesis: On the basis of the facts known already, a scientist makes a tentative theory:
•    It is an intelligent guess.
•    It is gradual accumulation of indirect evidence.
•    It may have number of predictions.
•    It consists of interconnected statements that give a possible solution to a problem.
4.    Controlled Experiment:  A scientist has to test each prediction and for that he follows a definite sequence.
Experiment – Observation – Analysis – Inference
Experiment: A controlled experiment tests only one factor at a time keeping the rest of the factors constant. Like for an experiment “Germinating seeds connected to another test tube containing water.” There will be two set ups.
a)    A set up with a test tube containing germinating seeds connected to another test tube containing water.
b)    Similar set up but with the test tube with non germinating seeds (control)
The experiment (a) will turn lime water milky due to evolution of CO2 during respiration by germinating seeds, but in (b) the lime water will not turn milky. Now the comparison of (a) with (b) which is a control leads us to a conclusion that CO2 evolves during respiration.

5.    Theory: When a hypothesis is supported by an evidence, it becomes a theory. More evidence and more acceptances confirm it.
•    A theory is not a fact that cannot be changed.
•    A theory of evolution has changed over a period of time.
•    Newton’s theory is universally accepted. At times discoveries are made such earlier but take the form of theory after subsequent findings only.
Cell was discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665 but cell theory was formulated by Schleiden and Schwann in 1883-39.
Many times the scientists have had chance discovery of important fats. It is called Serendipity. The intuition and sudden thought have led to great discoveries. Alexander Fleming in 1928 found that his culture plates were being contaminated by microbes. He kept discarding them but then he looked at the cloudy appearance on one of the plates left by chance. On study he found the bacterial growth missing on such petri dishes. This mould that inhibited the bacterial growth was named penicillin which is used widely as an antibiotic.

Method of Science as a Part of Life
The scientific method is not limited to the laboratory but is a way of everyday life. Science is an extension of everyday problems. An intelligent person when confronted with a practical problem would follow the same sequence. It helps investigating a crime, diagnosis of a disease, trying to discover what is wrong in the car or in a washing machine.
Example:
Observation: We put neem leaves for storing woollens.
Problem: Why do we put neem leaves only for storing woollens?
Facts Known:    a) Woollens are eaten by insects.
b) Other leaves are not put for storing woolens.
c) Woollens are not spoiled when neem leaves are put.

Hypothesis: Neem leaves contain a substance that is an insect repellant.

Experiment:

• 1) Store woollens without any leaves (control).
• 2) Store woollens with other leaves.
• 3) Store woollens with neem leaves.

Likewise number of controlled experiments need to e done like storing stored grains/pulses with or without neem leaves.
Theory: When number of experiments done in a similar way, come to the same conclusion and confirm that neem is an insect repellant, the hypothesis becomes a theory.
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Know some words: Axioms, Postulations, Theorem, Paradigm, Objective, Goal, Aim, Plan, Proposal, Research, Monitor, Supervise, Evidence, Honesty, Sincerity, Law, Welfare, Trustworthy, Safety, Efficacy, Control, Ethical, Qualified persons are involved, Done in systematized manner, Error in permissible limit, Error, Characteristics of a Scientific study, innovation, invention, discover …… etc.

Science is not to follow anything blindly, not even the thoughts of a science teacher. Anonymous

The very first step toward success in any occupation is to become interested in it. Sir William Osler

“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” Albert Einstein

‘You have seen the Raman effect on alcohol! Please do not try to see the alcohol effect on Raman’- Raman’ CV Raman

To conclude:

The scientific method is nothing more than a systematized version of common sense.

Reference: The Scientific Method in Biology, A Textbook of Biology Part I, (for CBSE and NCERT), Sarita Agrawal, M.Sc., B.Ed, Madhubav Educational Books, (A division of Vikash Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.), New Delhi, 2002