The scientific method is a crucial part of critical thinking, and it forms part of everyday problem-solving. Whether through conscious or unconscious decisions, people apply the scientific method in all fields when confronted with a problem or a decision. Therefore, the application of the scientific method follows a critical thinking process that allows an analysis of a situation or a problem. Since the solution may not be obvious, a deeper understanding of the problem or situation is required. Therefore, the scientific method provides a blueprint via which an individual follows to find a solution or make a decision. This paper will be categorical in the application of the scientific method in everyday life. A problem such as determining the most cost-efficient transportation/route for your commute can be solved using the scientific method as follows. The development of knowledge on issues is a complicated process that requires set procedures that are verifiable to be followed. The set of procedures is what is referred to as the scientific method. The method is not only applicable in the hard sciences or for academic purposes; it is also applicable in finding solutions for everyday problems(Savery 2015). The procedure therein follows some steps. The view is considered a general term, but it is the first step in the scientific method. It involves critically analyzing the problem and making deductions that are informed by all perspectives of the issue. Observation is an analytical tool for research; it does encompass not only the visual identification of the variables but also the characteristics or attributes of the variable. Observation also requires the use of measurement instruments that visual capability cannot encompass (Mak, 2016). This is of particular importance as it is the primary data correction tool and its accuracy will determine the solution to be found. When determining the route to use on the commute, observation will be crucial in correcting vital information. For instance, you have to identify the possible routes available. Secondly, the length a distance of each route, the cost of travel on each route, and finally the time used to reach the destination on each route. The information collected in the observation stage will be used to decide in the subsequent stages of the scientific method. In my observation, I have identified two routes of commute; route A and route B. both routes are relatively equal in length, but while route A uses the freeway, route B uses county roads. Route A has fewer speed limits, but it has relatively dense traffic. Route B, on the other hand, has more speed limits but less traffic. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation of the observation based on the information available. It is broadly referred to as an educated guess that provides a possible course of action. It may not be necessarily true, but it provides the observer with a starting point for gathering the evidence to support the hypothesis or even disprove the hypothesis (Mak, 2016). At the core of proposing a hypothesis, one must take into account all the information available. In this case, the proposed hypothesis is that: route B is faster and more cost-effective to use due to the scarcity of traffic and speed limits. In comparison to route A, it has more traffic and therefore slower when getting into and out of the city. The time spent in traffic increases the cost of the commute. Although route B has more speed limits, less traffic on the roads makes it faster and cost-effective because the commute is steady throughout the route. As a scientific tool, hypothesis testing is conducted as an experiment designed to prove or disprove the proposed hypothesis. The researcher designs a series of actions as suggested by the hypothesis and evaluates them by the outcomes. It requires meticulous planning and the use of specific procedures depending on the hypothesis and the nature of the study being conducted (Savery 2015). In this particular case, to test the hypothesis that route B is faster and more cost-effective than route A, one has to design the experiment to test the proposition. This can be done by using both routes at different times of the day and several but equal times to make the observations. Then, the data must be recorded carefully indicating all the parameters being measured; in this case, the time and cost of the commute. The time and cost recorded will be analyzed visa vie the number of commutes in the experiment. From the data collected in the experiment, deductions have to be made. In this case, all the information that was collected in the experiment is compared against all the parameters of the experiment as well as the hypothesis of the experiment (Mak, 2016). The information deduced from the experiment will be crucial as it will form part of the conclusions and inform the decision to be taken. In our case, the experiment reveals the exact time used in route A during rush hour and regular hours as well as the cost of the commute. Similarly, information is collected of route B in both hours. The inference from the data is that, even though that route B is faster than route A during rush hour, route A is much faster during regular hours due to the reduced traffic and fewer speed limits.
References
Mak, D. K., Mak, A. T., & Mak, A. B. (2016). Solving everyday problems with the scientific method: thinking like a scientist . World Scientific.
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Savery, J. R. (2015). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions. Essential readings in problem-based learning: Exploring and extending the legacy of Howard S. Barrows , 9 , 5-15.
