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The Hypothetico-Deductive Method

The hypothetico-deductive method is known to most as the "best" method for scientific research or as the only "true" method of scientific research. This method allows scientists to make observations, formulate a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, and identify results. The hypothesis should be a prediction of what the scientist believes will happen, and then it must be tested to see if the prediction was correct or not.

Observations And Data Collection
- Before a hypothesis can be formulated or an experiment conducted a scientist needs to collect data and make some observations on the subject being studied. A hypothesis needs to be an educated guess, so the observation and data collection step gives some background to be able to formulate a good hypothesis. The more observations a scientists makes and research he does, the better the hypothesis will be and the more credibility his own research will get.
Formulate A Hypothesis
- Once observations are made and data is collected the scientist needs to formulate a hypothesis. The hypothesis needs to be able to be proven true or false through the experiment with scientific data and proof to back it up. The hypothesis needs to be specific and not leave room for interpretation, because different interpretations cannot be backed up with scientific proof. For example, using words such as "good" or "bad" should not be used in a hypothesis because what the scientist constitutes as good may be different from what others see as good.
Test The Hypothesis Through Experiment
- Once the hypothesis has been formulated the experiment can be conducted. The experiment should have a control group and a real group so the scientist can compare the differences between the two groups. The experiment should contain some way to measure changes in both groups, so that data can be collected and research shown.
Identify Results By Confirming or Disproving Hypothesis
- At the conclusion of the experiment it should be easily seen if the hypothesis contains validity or not. Once the experiment is complete and data has been collected it is important for the researcher to state whether the hypothesis was correct or not. If the hypothesis was disproved then the experiment can be concluded. However, if the hypothesis has validity, either completely true or partially true, then more research need to be done. A hypothesis may be valid but much more research will need to be conducted before it gains validity in the field of science as a whole.

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