scientific method (redirected from Scientific investigation)

scientific method

Mathematical and experimental techniques employed in the natural sciences. Many empirical sciences, especially the social sciences, use mathematical tools borrowed from probability theory and statistics, together with such outgrowths of these as decision theory, game theory, utility theory, and operations research. Philosophers of science have addressed general methodological problems, such as the nature of scientific explanation and the justification of induction. See also Mill's methods.

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scientific method [‚sī·ən′tif·ik ′meth·əd]

(science and technology)

The systematic collection and classification of data and, usually, the formulation and testing of hypotheses based on the data.