The 6 steps of the scientific method (and its characteristics)

The scientific method represents a great source of knowledge; serves for guide, organize, design and create new projects that allow to continue investigating and obtaining information within the different scientific disciplines that we know.

This method is structured in a series of steps, specifically in 6; In this article we will know the 6 steps of the scientific method and its most relevant characteristics.

The scientific method: what does it consist of?

The scientific method consists of a set of techniques and methods that allow to develop a project or an experiment in practically any field of science; its objective is to continue acquiring and contributing new knowledge to the world of science, promoting its obtaining.

That is, the scientific method encompasses all the steps necessary to organize the research design, as well as its implementation. These steps are diverse, and include the initial search for information, the formulation of hypotheses, the analysis of the data, etc. The objective is to reach a series of conclusions that allow us to answer the question initially posed.

Thus, it is a methodology that has the purpose of obtaining new knowledge within the different scientific disciplines. It is based, fundamentally, on observation, measurement, experimentation and analysis, among others. On the other hand, it also uses hypothesis deduction, induction, prediction... Always speaking generically.

But let's see in detail what elements and steps configure it.

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Definition and characteristics of the 6 steps of the scientific method

Now that we have an idea of ​​what the scientific method is and what it is for, we are going to know the 6 steps of the scientific method and its characteristics.

Step 1: question / question

The first of the steps of the scientific method consists of the question, in the initial approach of the question. This step is essential, because it allows us to start the process and determine where it will go.

Thus, the researcher in question will pose a question, a question, with the aim of solving it through the following 5 steps. Usually they are questions related to observations that have already been made, that is, they are not “random” questions that just come to mind. These questions are usually of the type: What? Why? How? When?

Step 2: observation

The second step of the scientific method is observation. It consists of the first contact with reality we want to study. Observing involves “actively acquiring information through sight”.

The observation also includes looking at the details of what we are studying, analyzing the causes and consequences of the events. However, its main objective is to collect as much information as possible in relation to the initial question raised in step 1. This observation, in addition, must be intentional, that is, focused on seeking results.

On the other hand, the information that is transcribed through observation must be precise, verifiable and measurable.

Step 3: formulate the hypothesis

After observing the object of study and gathering information on the question initially posed, we will proceed to develop step number 3 of the 6 steps of the scientific method: the formulation of a (or more) hypothesis. This hypothesis, logically, will have to do with the initial question, that is, it will try to answer that question / question.

But what exactly is a hypothesis? It consists of a formulation, generally affirmative, which is used to predict an outcome. From it, you can start the investigation or experiment in question, which will have the purpose of deducing whether this statement is real or not.

In the event that it is false, we can reformulate the initial hypothesis into a new one, changing data or characteristics of it. That is, the hypothesis is intended to prove; it can be real (affirmative) or not (null), if it is refuted.

Step 4: experimentation

The next step of the scientific method is experimentation, that is, testing the hypothesis from an experiment. That is, it implies taking the previous steps (initial question, hypothesis ...) to the practical field, studying the phenomenon in question (which is usually reproduced in a laboratory through artificial techniques and experimental).

In addition, through experimentation, the necessary conditions and / or that interest us are created to replicate and study a specific phenomenon.

Through experimentation, the results are obtained. Specifically, and broadly speaking, we can find results of three types: results that contradict the initial hypothesis; results that reaffirm the initial hypothesis, and results that do not provide any conclusion or relevant data for our hypothesis.

Generally, in the first case, the hypothesis is questioned; in the second, the hypothesis is confirmed (it is considered correct, although revisions can be made), and in the third, research is continued in order to find possible results.

There are different types of experimentation; one of the most used methods is hypothesis testing.

Step 5: analyze the data

Once the data are obtained, they are analyzed, which configures step 5 of the 6 steps of the scientific method. The data generally consist of numbers, "presence" or "absence", "yes" or "no" answers, etc., it all depends on the type of experiment and the evaluation or observation scales used.

It is important write down all the data we have, including those that we did not expect or that we initially believe are irrelevant to the hypothesis.

The results or data obtained can be, essentially, of three types: results that refute the hypothesis initial information, that they confirm it or that they do not provide sufficient information that allows us to refute or confirm the hypothesis.

Step 6: accept or reject the initial hypothesis

The last of the 6 steps of the scientific method implies accepting or refuting (reject) the initial hypothesis. That is, it has the purpose of answering the initial question, posed in step 1.

The conclusions reached are based on an informal or statistical analysis. In the first case (informal), we must ask ourselves: Does the data obtained reinforce our hypothesis? In the second case (statistical) we must establish a numerical degree of "acceptance" or "rejection" of the hypothesis.

Technically, the scientific method ends at step 6; however, it is also true that additional steps can be added, depending on the characteristics of our research.

Bibliographic references

• Barrantes, R. (2000). Research: a path to knowledge, a qualitative and quantitative approach. (2nd reprint. of the 1st ed.). San José, C.R.: EUNED.

• Lases, M.A. (2009) Research Methodology. A new approach. 2nd edition CIDL: Mexico.

• Sampieri, R. (et.al.) (2008).. In Research Methodology. Mc Graw-Hill: Mexico.