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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
Characters being smart, caring about each other, figuring out how their magic works using scientific methods, a vast and detailed world.
—Erik Pedersen, Orange County Register, 9 Feb. 2024
By weaving together the Native nations’ ancestral and oral histories with advanced scientific methods—including genomic analysis—the authors were able to confirm that the woolly dog existed for at least 5,000 years.
—Alicia Ault, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2024
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
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
Articles Related to scientific method
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 24 Apr. 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
More from Merriam-Webster on scientific method
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scientific method
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