THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

When asking a question, most people know where to search for an answer.  Google searches, Wikipedia, and so forth have greatly reduced the legwork necessary to find a satisfactory answer to a question.  But not always. Sometimes a question requires more work, more effort on behalf of the person asking the question.  This is where the scientific method comes into play, and it is something relative to most topics--science and non-science alike.

To begin, the scientific method looks somewhat like this: 

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First, you start with a question.  Some sources describe this step as the observation step: what do you observe that espouses a question in your mind?  

Second, you state your hypothesis--a fancy term for your guess at the answer.  It may seem silly, but it makes sense since you need to have an idea of how to go about actually getting an answer to your question.  In other words, the hypothesis gives you a clue as to where you may look or what you may need for an answer.

Third, you design an experiment; the way in which you will try and get an answer to your question.  

Fourth, you run the experiment using the design and parameters from the previous step, and you record your results.  

Fifth, you collect your data and develop a conclusion.  Did your results coincide with your hypothesis, or disagree with your hypothesis, and why?  

To demonstrate this, consider this sample question on the effect of acid rain on plant growth.  This is only meant to show the application of the scientific method, it should not be taken as scientific fact.

1. Question
   Some plants prefer a more acidic environment for optimal growth, for these plants will acid rain have a beneficial effect on growth?
2. Hypothesis
   It seems likely that acid rain would benefit a plant which thrives in acidic soil.  
3. Design
   Four plants of two separate plant species, one which thrives in acidic soil and one that does not, will be used.  Distilled water, with a base pH of 7, will be used on one plant of each species.  The remaining two plants will be water with a mixture of vinegar and water, tested to be a pH of less than 7.  Those plants receiving distilled water will be the controls to which those receiving the acidic water will be compared.  Both growth in height and the average leaf length for each plant will serve as measurement parameters, taken daily each morning.
4. Run the experiment, collect results
   Keep accurate and daily records.
5. Conclusion
   Based on the results, come to a conclusion: plants preferring acidic soil grew better in acid rain than those plants which prefer a more neutral soil; acid rain had a negative effect on all plant growth; etc.  Then discuss where your hypothesis may have been wrong, and where future research should go.

Now, if you hope to skid by without mastering this topic, you are doing yourself a great disfavor.  This same method has been applied in business, psychology, and even philosophy.