Systematic scientific method

Systematic, scientific methods for catalyst design have been pursued by researchers for many years. A recent book gives many examples and more details and guidance are found in Chapter S. 

Scientific method (Section 6 6) A systematic approach to es tabhshmg new knowledge m which observations lead to laws laws to theories theories to testable hypotheses and hypotheses to expenments... 

However, like the scientific method, the engineering method is an interative process and embedded in the engineering method is the systematic use of the scientific method itself to predict behavior of a prototype device or process. This means both methods require the use of trial and error. The interdependency of irtiil and error was explained by someone who said. One cannot have trail and error without error. ... 

Thus, the concept of extrapolation in ecological risk assessments requires systematic evaluation of both the available scientific methods as well as the optimization of their practical usage. 

The method of changing one variable at a time to investigate the outcome of an experiment probably dates back to the beginnings of systematic scientific research. The idea is fairly simple. We often need to investigate the influence of several factors. To simplify control and interpretation of the results, we choose to vary only one of the factors by keeping the rest of them at constant values. The method is illustrated in Figure 8.15 and in the following example. 

A scientific method is a systematic approach used in scientific study, whether it is chemistry, biology, physics, or other sciences. It is an organized process used by scientists to do research, and it provides a method for scientists to verify the work of others. An overview of the typical steps of a scientific method is shown in Figure 1-9. The steps are not used as a checklist to be done in the same order each time. Therefore, all scientists must describe their methods when they publish their results. If other scientists cannot confirm the results after repeating the method, then doubt arises over the validity of the reported results. 

A major issue that needs to be addressed is what standards or methodologies should be followed when guidelines are developed. A structured, systematic, science-based approach should be used whenever developing these guidelines. The Institute of Medicine has identified the necessary characteristics which would enhance a guideline s effectiveness sensitivity, specificity, patient responsiveness, readability, minimal intrusiveness, feasibility, and computer compatibility.If guideline development followed these scientific methods, it would be difficult to criticize the process. 

Design for six sigma is not a radical new idea. It is in fact simply a codification of the scientific method. DFSS is a systematic application of good scientific and engineering practices. The tools employed are very powerful if used correctly. Fundamentally, DFSS is a road map and set of tools to provide the researcher with clear insight into customer needs and the customer with clear insight into producer capabilities. 

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