Concepts: The Scientific Method
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The scientific method is an empirical approach to acquiring knowledge that has been fundamental to scientific development since the 17th century, which combines careful observation with rigorous skepticism to mitigate cognitive biases in interpreting observations.
The process involves formulating hypotheses through inductive reasoning, testing them via experiments and statistical analysis, and refining or discarding hypotheses based on results. This method is not a fixed sequence but rather a set of general principles that may vary in order and emphasis across different scientific inquiries.
It typically includes characterizations of the subject, hypotheses formation, predictions through reasoning, and experimental testing. The scientific method is an iterative, cyclical process that continually revises information, fostering the advancement of knowledge through a combination of these elements.