scientific method

noun

: principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

Examples of scientific method in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The facility was dedicated to the study of more scientific methods of vegetable production. USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 This kind of hybrid approach to marine management, combining local involvement and knowledge with modern scientific methods, is likely to increase success, according to marine conservation researcher André. Tiare Tuuhia, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Nov. 2023 But successful polls, in principle, offer a scientific method of representing a wide cross section of the public by giving (nearly) everyone the chance to express their opinions on a set of issues without sizable costs. Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Apr. 2022 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered officials to resolve the food-supply problems with better farming equipment and scientific methods during the four-day plenary meeting, according to a Thursday state media report. Dasl Yoon, WSJ, 2 Mar. 2023 The Enneagram test is a psychometric test, which is a scientific method used to measure an individual's mental capabilities and behavioral style. Addison Aloian, Women's Health, 11 June 2023 Neil deGrasse Tyson's latest book, Starry Messenger, analyzes real-world issues like race, gender and politics using scientific methods. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 24 Apr. 2023 In Sweden, Linköping University’s Division of Business Administration encourages students to apply rigorous scientific methods to solve business problems, an approach critical in an era of fast technological change and big data. Foreign Affairs, 6 July 2023 The Italian thinker emphasized a methodical approach to the study of the universe, and inspired the modern scientific method that remains a bedrock of scientific inquiry even 380 years after his death. Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scientific method.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scientific method was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near scientific method

Cite this Entry

“Scientific method.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific%20method. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scientific method

noun
: the rules and procedures for the pursuit of knowledge involving the finding and stating of a problem, the collection of facts through observation and experiment, and the making and testing of ideas that need to be proven right or wrong

Medical Definition

scientific method

noun
: principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

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