Scientific Method in Brief

A concise guide to the principles of scientific method with applications across all sciences, both basic and applied.

Hugh G. Gauch, Jr (Author)

9781107666726, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 6 September 2012

303 pages, 37 b/w illus. 3 tables
22.7 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.49 kg

'There is a detailed table of contents, a thorough list of references, and a good index. This detailed explanation of scientific method is laid out so as to be useful as a text for educational courses. To this end, each chapter concludes with a summary and a set of study questions. However, the book is also a thorough and practical description of scientific philosophy and method, which will be useful to practitioners as well.' David B. Henderson, Computing Reviews

The fundamental principles of the scientific method are essential for enhancing perspective, increasing productivity, and stimulating innovation. These principles include deductive and inductive logic, probability, parsimony and hypothesis testing, as well as science's presuppositions, limitations, ethics and bold claims of rationality and truth. The examples and case studies drawn upon in this book span the physical, biological and social sciences; include applications in agriculture, engineering and medicine; and also explore science's interrelationships with disciplines in the humanities such as philosophy and law. Informed by position papers on science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, National Academy of Sciences and National Science Foundation, this book aligns with a distinctively mainstream vision of science. It is an ideal resource for anyone undertaking a systematic study of scientific method for the first time, from undergraduates to professionals in both the sciences and the humanities.

Foreword James R. Miller
Preface
1. Introduction
2. Four bold claims
3. A brief history of truth
4. Science's contested rationality
5. Science's presuppositions
6. Science's powers and limits
7. Deductive logic
8. Probability
9. Inductive logic and statistics
10. Parsimony and efficiency
11. Case studies
12. Ethics and responsibilities
13. Science education
14. Conclusions
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA], Science: general issues [PD], Probability & statistics [PBT], Mathematics & science [P], Research methods: general [GPS]