What is the Scientific Method?

The scientific method is a process. It is a "fill in the blank" framework that we use to try and understand our world better. The scientific method starts with a question. Why does a rock fall? How does a bird soar through the air? From there we follow each step, in order, to get to some (hopefully) helpful information. If you believe the world works a certain way, with enough science you should be able to convince me even despite my best efforts to prove you wrong. The scientific method is based in skepticism. A true scientist will always be open to new data, even if it conflicts with his or her previous beliefs. Science does not involve "trust". I must document my entire method in such detail that you can see every step I made. Very rarely is one experiment enough to "prove" something. Even the word "proven" does not fit well with this method. We can say "Considering all the data we have, we believe the most correct answer is this…". Claiming absolute truth because "the science said so" is something done only by persons who are either uneducated in "science" or are inappropriately attaching themselves to science for some personal gain. Never take conclusions on blind faith. Always ask more questions until you are absolutely convinced. Even then, always be open to considering new data, even if it disagrees with your previously existing beliefs.

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