Scientific method is a systematic method of testing hypotheses in research. The four steps are as follows: Step 1: "Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena" (Introduction to the scientific method, 2012, University of Rochester). The scientific method begins with existing research, and builds upon the research of other individuals in the field and/or observation of a particular phenomenon. Step 2: " formulation of a hypothesis to explain the phenomena" (Introduction to the scientific method, 2012, University of Rochester). The hypothesis is what is tested over the course of the experiment. It is specific, and not merely descriptive and is limited enough so that other variables that could cause the phenomenon can be eliminated. Step 3: "use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict quantitatively the results of new observations" (Introduction to the scientific method, 2012, University of Rochester). Step 4: "performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independent experimenters and properly performed experience" (Introduction to the scientific method, 2012, University of Rochester). A hypothesis is not confirmed by merely one experiment, given that experiments can be affected by unaccounted-for variables and can be also influenced by random, chance events (especially in small samples) and observer bias. After drawing conclusions from the initial experiment, the researcher must retest the results, and, if necessary, further isolate the conditions under scrutiny. However, when conducting research on human beings, it can be more difficult to create hypotheses that eliminate other influencing phenomenon or to create a perfectly representative...
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