SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
SCIENTIFIC METHOD Scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry must be based on gathering observable, empirical and measurable evidence subject to specific principles of reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of data through observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses THE PROCESS OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY Scientific inquiry employs both induction and deduction. Induction uses particular or specific instances as observed by the scientist to arrive at general conclusions or axioms. This is the use of data or evidence to arrive at generalities, often called empiricism. The mathematical expression of induction is found in statistical inference: the scientist examines many cases and arrives at a conclusion. Deduction in contrast, begins with what is general and applies it to particular cases