## Scientific method

A combination of knowledge about the correct procedures in experimental sciences (both natural and social) and scientific reasoning ultimately set ground for the emergence of a generally valid description of scientist's work – the scientific method. It is the employment of this method that unites all scientists, and on its basis, experts in individual fields design their experiments and work procedures. If we look closely at the scientific method, we can notice that it is a cycle of six actions – observing the given phenomenon, obtaining enough reliable information, formulating a hypothesis, experimental testing, analysing, and evaluating the test results, and formulating conclusions. The conclusions can be later subjected to criticism and added to the list of usable information to enrich the available knowledge (Figure 2.1).

Importantly, different types of reasoning are usually employed in different phases of scientific work. Inductive thinking allows scientists to comprehend the large collections of data, identify generally applicable rules and formulate a hypothesis, which is central to any scientific project. Deductive and abductive reasoning then allows researchers to approach their own hypotheses critically, test them and refute them, if necessary. The more rigorous the experimental tests are and the more intensively the scientist tries to disprove their own hypothesis, the more credible the hypothesis becomes if it fails to be disproved.