How to Science Your Way Out of Anything
The Scientific Method has been used for centuries to advance scientific thought and give humanity a better grasp and better control of our world. While it's true that there are many slightly different variations on the method (depending on the area of observation and study) and it's also true that the Scientific Method probably shouldn't be used for everything (sometimes when deciding between Rocky Road and Cookies and Cream ice cream it's better to just go with your gut - and faster), there is still a valid question about whether it can be used in people's personal lives.
I think it can.
The Scientific Method is a process, a guideline, for conducting experiments in such a way as to come to some conclusion about reality. The basic steps are as follows:
Ask a Question
Well, you can hardly find an answer without knowing what the question is. So, first you must choose your question wisely. What is it you want to change? In this case, what is it that you want to change in your life and why? Is that really what you want to change? You must be sure of your question because if it's the wrong one then the experiment may be a waste of time (although one could argue this never happens since realizing it was the wrong question would only lead you to ask a better question).
If you're having trouble, think along lines of How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where.
Do Background Research
This is absolutely essential. In fact, if you're background research is good enough sometimes you won't really have to go any further. Science has been around for a long time and philosophy even longer. Chances are, any question you ask has already been asked and someone has already found an answer. Now, it may not be the answer that you're looking for (or it might just be plain wrong), but it may be a crucial pointer in the right direction.
Actual scientists compile as much data from previous related studies as possible before moving on to the next step...
Construct a Hypothesis
Based on what you've read and what you yourself believe you've got to make an educated guess about how things work and what will happen. It's that simple. Once you've made your guess you proceed to the next step...
Test Your Hypothesis (Experiment)
This is the experimentation phase. Now, since this is your life we're talking about and not mice in a maze, you might want to be a bit careful about this. However, you'll know you have an accurate map of reality if your hypothesis stands up against test after test.
There are many ways to test a hypothesis. But you'll have to do it more than once. In fact, you'll have to do it many times to get accurate data. If it happens a lot of times, time to start looking for an explanation.
Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions
Now you've got a lot of information, it's time to make sense of it. Does a clear picture emerge? Is that picture in light with your hypothesis, or does it run counter to it? It is often the case that the results will get you to ask all new questions, leading to a new hypothesis and a new experiment. And thus the process of growth continues both in science in general and in us as individuals.
Because, you see, this whole process of making observations and coming to conclusions is part of being human. We already do it to some degree... Why not become good at it?
Until next time, Stay Scientific!
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Always Question. Someone gave me that piece of advice a long time ago, and it's served me well. You're right about research; 99 times out of 100 you'll find what you need to answer your question. But always question.
This is so much easier to do now...then it used to be as well.
Just use logic and you'll be fine.
Say that looking at the Quantum World, I think you may be surprised ;-)
True I just meant it in the context of his post and applying the scientific method to your life.
Sorry, I misunderstood your comment. For most cases you are totally right. But still, sometimes it may be useful to use a scientific approach to solve some life problems :-)
If you have the mind to consider the scientific method I would say your logic is just as good but maybe one day I'll experience something that forces me to use the scientific method. Still got a lot to live for and experience.
Great post! I find that using the scientific method makes difficult decisions much easier to handle and with a better end result!
We indeed always need to question ourselves, and very important: what is considered as a scientific theory today may become a lecture in a "history of science" textbook in half century, when a new theory will emerge. What is very good with science and the scientific method is that what is considered as a standard paradigm today is just allowed to evolve.
Cannot beat Science! Great post, if you want more science posts I have plenty to offer if you please!