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The scientific method

In research (and in your every day life) you acquire knowledge and experience. You start with observations that arise questions that need to be answered and shared. The steps that lead from an observation to a valid, ready to be made public, answer form a methodology known as "the scientific method".

The scientific inquiry was built up in time by many, beginning with Aristotle and is the basis for the modern science as we know it today. It developed in close relationship with the epistemology (acquiring knowledge) and with the philosophy of science.

Different flavours in research

Based on the scientific method above, you could:

• demonstrate a hypothesis (confirm or reject): the universe is expanding!
• verifying a model: morphological changes of the North Sea shore
• fundamental research (observe and record): molecular variations of DNA strains in a hostile environment

Look at the Learn more... section for the Design Method

Errors that paid off!

Although you should try to follow the scientific method, sometimes diverting from it can have interesting consequences.  Consider the following accidental breakthroughs:

• Penicillin
  This antibiotic was discovered by Alexander Fleming after accidentally leaving a Petri dish uncovered for some time.

• Vulcanised rubber
  Vulcanised rubber was discovered by chance by Charles Goodyear after unintentionally leaving a piece of fabric coated with a mixture of rubber, sulphur and white led on a hot stove.

• X-ray technology
  X-ray technology was discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen. He was exploring the path of electrical rays passing from an induction coil through a partially evacuated and covered glass tube. While being in a darkened room he noticed that a screen covered in fluorescent material was illuminated by the rays.