The scientific method is a process scientists use to hypothesize a truthful representation of the world. The scientific method has evolved over time and has worked with many industries to create advancement in the industry. There are four parts to the scientific method including: 1.) observation and description; 2.) hypothesis formulation; 3.) using the hypothesis for predictions; and 4.) experimental testing (“Introduction to the Scientific Method,” n.d.). Of the four steps, step number three (prediction) provides scientists with valuable ability to gain more from the hypothesis than originally anticipated. The scientific method is a powerful process for scientists to hypothesize and experiment to advance industries.
The scientific method was important during the Industrial Revolution to help create technological advances. The scientific method offered the Industrial Revolution an opportunity for careful observation and experimentation to make significant improvements in production. As seen in the Encyclopedia Britannica article “History of Science” Williams states “Close observation and careful generalization leading to practical utilization were characteristic of both industrialists and experimentalists alike in the 18th century” (History of Science, 2015). With the assistance of the scientific method scientists in the Industrial Revolution were able to move forward with technological advancements through various hypothesis and experiments. The scientific method created a process during the Industrial Revolution to try out new technologies and production.
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If the scientific method had not been created society may look different because technology probably would not have had as much advancement. The scientific method provided an outlet for scientists to try new technologies and experiment with unknown processes. Through the hypothesis, predictions and experiments were created, which led to new advancements in technology. These processes were established and created a baseline for scientists to use in a variety of industries and science. Some of the most notable advancements include the science of metallurgy, the science of chemistry (including the creation of new substances) and electricity and magnetism (History of Science, 2015). If these advancements were not made in the latter half of the Industrial Revolution, society would move at a much slower pace and not have the type of communication and computers we use every day.
The scientific method does have a few limitations which scientists need to carefully avoid when preventing issues with scientific outcomes. A common limitation is when a scientist may have one preference for an outcome over another creating a bias for a certain result. The bias potentially will lead to the scientist’s interpretation of the experiment and the outcome (“Introduction to the Scientific Method,” n.d.). Another error with the scientific method is to mistake common sense or personal logic for sound experimental testing (“Introduction to the Scientific Method,” n.d.). Without the experimental testing and data results the hypothesis does not have a reliable foundation. Lastly, ignoring or ruling out data which does not support the hypothesis is a potential mistake (“Introduction to the Scientific Method,” n.d.). This mistake is likely to show skewed results and un-realistic results.
In conclusion, the scientific method allows scientists with a process for hypothesizing and experimenting. During the Industrial Revolution, the scientific method provided scientists with a valuable process for advancing technology in production and science. If the scientific method had not been embraced during this time, our society today would potentially be much different in relation to communication and computers we use daily. The scientific method does have limitations and potential for flaws which scientists need to be aware of and avoid. The scientific method provides many benefits for technological advancements.
- History of Science. (2015). Science and the Industrial Revolution. Britannica.com. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/
- Introduction to the Scientific Method. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://teacher.nsrl.rochester.edu
