Scientific Method

The scientific method is the approach scientists' use to conduct their work. The following steps are used:

1. Observe the problem situation.
2. Build a hypothesis to explain the observed relationships.
3. Test and revise the hypothesis.
4. Develop the decision rule.
5. Apply the decision rule.

Note that the above steps assume that the scientific method is being followed to discover information that can be used for decision making. Thus, steps 4 and 5 apply specifically for decision making.