The Scientific Method: A Guide to Finding Useful Knowledge [Paperback]

A guide to identifying and practicing useful scientific research for researchers, administrators, policy makers, lawyers, and journalists.A guide to following the scientific method for scientists, research funders, and policymakers that makes important recommendations for reforms in science policy and science administration. Lawyers, journalists, investors, and other stakeholders can use the guidance to assess the validity and usefulness of science claims.A guide to following the scientific method for scientists, research funders, and policymakers that makes important recommendations for reforms in science policy and science administration. Lawyers, journalists, investors, and other stakeholders can use the guidance to assess the validity and usefulness of science claims.The scientific method delivers prosperity, yet scientific practice has become subject to corrupting influences from within and without the scientific community. This essential reference is intended to help remedy those threats. The authors identify eight essential criteria for the practice of science and provide checklists to help avoid costly failures in scientific practice. Not only for scientists, this book is for all stakeholders of the broad enterprise of science. Science administrators, research funders, journal editors, and policymakers alike will find practical guidance on how they can encourage scientific research that produces useful discoveries. Journalists, commentators, and lawyers can turn to this text for help with assessing the validity and usefulness of scientific claims. The book provides practical guidance and makes important recommendations for reforms in science policy and science administration. The message of the book is complemented by Nobel Laureate Vernon L. Smith's foreword, and an afterword by Terence Kealey.1. Introduction; 2. Defining the scientific method; 3. Checklist for the scientific method; 4. Assessing the quality of scientific practice; 5. Scientific practice: Plãf