Scientific Method

Many methods are employed to generate and synthesize knowledge. As such, no single series of steps could contain all the strategies that can be used to discover and explain the universe. Thus, science is better viewed as a process than as a recipe or formula that can be used to create knowledge. For example, considerable knowledge is generated and passed along via careful observations and subsequent descriptions. Basic observations and descriptions contribute to the discovery and documentation of patterns, and each of these steps is fundamental to increasing our understanding. However, the process known as the scientific method involves steps beyond observation and description. Specifically, these steps include development and testing of explanations for patterns derived from observations.

Discovery and documentation of patterns rooted in careful ...