The Scientific Method: Ethical Concerns, Cotential Consequences (Essay Sample)

The Scientific Method
Q1.
The logical and rational process by which scientists validate observations and while minimizing observation bias is called the scientific method (Fonseca, 2014). The method is not a formula but a series of sequential steps used by scientists to create explainable results that augment knowledge base. The scientific method comprises of three fundamental elements. First, a hypothesis which is a statement that is to be tested or proven. The statement is considered true for investigation purpose. The second is a theory which refers to the generalized principles that are drawn from the truth that clarifies annotations. Hypothesis forms the last fundamental element, and it describes the statement that defines what the expected results will be. The generated hypothesis should be testable and be able to be rejected or accepted (Fonseca, 2014).
The scientific method employs the following steps in its process. The first phase involves making an observation. This step involves gathering and assimilating information about a phenomenon. Second, the definition of the problem follows. This phase involves asking relevant and testable questions concerning the selected observation. Formulation of hypothesis makes the third step. This step involves creating a scientific explanation for the observation. The hypothesis should be testable and falsifiable. Fourth, conduction of the experiment takes place. This step stands to test the hypothesis. Lastly is the derivation of theory from the experiment outcome that gives an explanation for the observation and suggests the possibility of future observations (Mak et al., 2009).
The use of scientific method is important as it allows scientists to use a systematic process to discover and circulate information (Fonseca, 2014). The advantage drawn from this process is that it allows the experiment to be carried out in different places and under different conditions. If similar results are obtained, then the facts of the theory are made stronger.
Q2.
When deciding the idea for a research study, the following steps are applicable. First, select a subject that is of interest. Ensure that the subject area fits the necessities of the assignment or grant. Second, study existing research and gather necessary information about the topic. At this point, develop an expert grasp of what already exists about the topic. It is important to focus on academic and scholarly information to ascertain that the information is unbiased, comprehensive and accurate. Third, analyze the existing literature from the materials collected. Identifying unanswered questions and gaps from these texts provide interesting areas to investigate. Fourth, generate more questions that would be interesting to explore further. Lastly, look for clues from the existing literature to what the results of the study would be. These clues might form the basis of the research (Fonseca, 2014).
Generating a testable topic requires formulating a hypothesis with both the dependent and one or more independent variables. The dependent variable refers to what is affected while the independent variable is what causes the effects. The hypothesis should be specific such that it makes predictions measurable hence providing proof of a correlation between variables.
Q3.
Radich (2009) identifies fabrication of information as one of the fatal pitfalls for poorly done research studies. Fabrication may arise from a poor literature review of mere ignorance. Fabricatio...