Limitations of the value of the scientific method

Question 1

What is the scientific method’s value limited by? (5)

Answer 1

1. The extent of our knowledge.
2. The basis of investigation.
3. Interpreting results.
4. Changes in the natural world.
5. Accidental discoveries.

Question 2

Explain how the extent of our knowledge limits the scientific method.

Answer 2

The ability to form a hypothesis and design an experiment is dependant on the amount we know relating to our observations.
A basic amount of knowledge is required before the correct questions and hypotheses can be framed.

Question 3

Explain how the basis of investigation limits the scientific method.

Answer 3

If an investigation is badly designed or improperly carried out it will not yield results that are as valid as they should be.
Very often, control experiments are hard to set up. This can lead to invalid experiments with dubious results. Sometimes hypotheses are based on such experiments.

Question 4

Explain how interpreting results limits the scientific method.

Answer 4

If results are interpreted wrongly, then faulty conclusions and hypotheses may be drawn.

Question 5

Explain how the changes in the natural world limit the scientific method.

Answer 5

Sometimes the scientific method can lead to results that only apply to moving things at one particular time. As living things are constantly evolving, hypotheses must be constantly altered.

Question 6

Explain how accidental discoveries limit the scientific method.

Answer 6

New insights are often provided by accidental discoveries. Such findings have contributed enormously to the development of scientific thinking.