The Scientific Method
A Guide to Finding Useful Knowledge

A guide to identifying and practicing useful scientific research for researchers, administrators, policy makers, lawyers, and journalists.

J. Scott Armstrong (Author), Kesten C. Green (Author)

9781316515167, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 June 2022

200 pages
23.6 x 15.8 x 2.1 cm, 0.496 kg

'Contemporary science falls well short of its ideals for trustworthiness and usefulness. This book tells the truth, spotlighting shortcomings and corruption in scientific practice, and provides step-by-step guidance for baking integrity and value into our research and publication practices.' Denise M. Rousseau, H.J. Heinz II University Professor of Organizational Behavior and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University

The scientific method delivers prosperity, yet scientific practice has become subject to corrupting influences from within and without the scientific community. This essential reference is intended to help remedy those threats. The authors identify eight essential criteria for the practice of science and provide checklists to help avoid costly failures in scientific practice. Not only for scientists, this book is for all stakeholders of the broad enterprise of science. Science administrators, research funders, journal editors, and policymakers alike will find practical guidance on how they can encourage scientific research that produces useful discoveries. Journalists, commentators, and lawyers can turn to this text for help with assessing the validity and usefulness of scientific claims. The book provides practical guidance and makes important recommendations for reforms in science policy and science administration. The message of the book is complemented by Nobel Laureate Vernon L. Smith's foreword, and an afterword by Terence Kealey.

1. Introduction
2. Defining the scientific method
3. Checklist for the scientific method
4. Assessing the quality of scientific practice
5. Scientific practice: Problem of advocacy
6. Scientific practice: Problem of journal reviews
7. Scientific practice: Problem of government involvement
8. What is takes to be a good scientist
9. How scientists can discover useful knowledge
10. How scientists can disseminate useful findings
11. How stakeholders can help science
12. Rescuing science from advocacy
Afterword by Terence Kealey.

Subject Areas: Scientific equipment, experiments & techniques [PDN], Industrial applications of scientific research & technological innovation [PDG], Scientific standards [PDD], Central government policies [JPQB], Social research & statistics [JHBC], Research methods: general [GPS]