Science is a “way of knowing,” meaning that it is one way of ascertaining the truth about the world. Although it is not the only way of knowing, it is the most reliable way of knowing the physical universe because it is based on systematic, rigorous methods of testing, experimentation, and calculated observations. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists (2017), science yields “unbiased and verifiable information to make important decisions,” (p. 1). The scientific method is used to acquire and analyze information. Using the scientific method, it is possible to test hypotheses again and again, to come up with verifiable and repeatable experiments that can yield factual and provable data.
The most important elements of the scientific method include observation, identification, description, investigation, and explanation. Observation is often the genesis of scientific inquiry. Observing an interesting, important, unique, or unusual phenomenon might lead to a hypothesis about why that phenomenon exists or what meaning it has. A social scientist observes human behavior. A natural scientist observes anything from animal behavior to the behavior of cells and molecules under a microscope. The observation can be directly ascertained through the human senses or indirectly through the use of instruments and apparatus. When instruments and apparatus are used, the scientist needs to verify the authenticity and reliability of those measuring devices. Instruments need to be calibrated and proven effective for measuring what they are designed to measure.
Identification refers to identifying all the variables and coming up with a research hypothesis based on the observed phenomena. The identification process might also include operationalizing variables as well as making detailed analysis of any observed phenomena. For example, an observation of a strange behavior in ants might lead the scientist to identify and then describe the behavior and how previous researchers have sought to explain it. After identification of the variables, the scientist can proceed towards the evolution of a hypothesis. Ideally, a scientist will also identify his or her biases, worldview, and theoretical orientation when first initiating any research or investigation.
The scientific investigation is usually experimental, but could also be qualitative in nature. Qualitative research methods are used more often in the social sciences than the hard sciences. Using the most appropriate type of research methodology, the scientist tests the hypothesis using recognizable instruments and then reports the results of the experiment to an audience of peers.
Explanation refers to the ways the scientist reports and reflects on the results of an experiment. The explanation should include an interpretation of the data, plus an application to the real world detailing why the results are meaningful or important. Similarly, the explanation of the research would also include suggestions for future research. Taken together, the observation, identification, description, investigation, and explanation comprise systematic methods used to explain any observable phenomena.
Science is a way of knowing the natural world. Therefore, science cannot be used as a way of knowing anything that falls beyond the realm of measurements. If a phenomenon is isolated or too subjective, then it cannot be measured scientifically. Using science helps create a reasonable, rational, intelligent, and knowledge-based society. Science is a way of knowing that is inherently shared. Unlike religion or philosophy, science can actually be used to generate shared knowledge about the world. Any time a phenomenon seems anomalous, a scientist can perform tests and observations that can help lead to deeper understandings. Other ways of knowing can be valid for entertainment or personal belief systems, but lack the credibility and verifiability of science.
References
Union of Concerned Scientists (2017). Science, evolution, and intelligent design. Retrieved online: http://www.ucsusa.org/scientific_integrity/what_you_can_do/science-as-a-way-of-knowing.html#.Wd5A5BNSyRs
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