Difference between revisions of "Scientific method"

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  | chapter = Developing a philosophy of exploration
 
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  | author  = Edward A. Beaumont, Norman H. Foster, Richard R. Vincelette, Marlan W. Downey, James D. Robertson
 
  | author  = Edward A. Beaumont, Norman H. Foster, Richard R. Vincelette, Marlan W. Downey, James D. Robertson
 
  | link    = http://archives.datapages.com/data/specpubs/beaumont/ch01/ch01.htm
 
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==The scientific method==
 
==The scientific method==
The logic sequence, or ''scientific method'', has been the basis of scientific work since the time of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copernicus Copernicus] and takes the form shown in the following table.
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The logic sequence, or ''scientific method'', has been the basis of scientific work since the time of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copernicus Copernicus] and takes the form shown in the following list:
  
{| class = "wikitable"
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# State a problem.
|-
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# Collect observations relevant to the problem.
! Step
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# Formulate a hypothetical solution (interpretation) of the problem, consistent with the observations.
! Action
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# Predict other observable phenomena from the hypothesis.
|-
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# Test predictions by observing occurrences or nonoccurrences of the predicted phenomena.
| 1
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# Accept, modify, or reject the hypothesis (interpretation) in accordance with the degree of fulfillment of the predictions.
| State a problem.
 
|-
 
| 2
 
| Collect observations relevant to the problem.
 
|-
 
| 3
 
| Formulate a hypothetical solution (interpretation) of the problem, consistent with the observations.
 
|-
 
| 4
 
| Predict other observable phenomena from the hypothesis.
 
|-
 
| 5
 
| Test predictions by observing occurrences or nonoccurrences of the predicted phenomena.
 
|-
 
| 6
 
| Accept, modify, or reject the hypothesis (interpretation) in accordance with the degree of fulfillment of the predictions.
 
|}
 
  
 
==Measuring the merit of predictions==
 
==Measuring the merit of predictions==
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==See also==
 
==See also==
* [[Applying the scientific method to petroleum exploration]]
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* [[Scientific method: application to exploration]]
* [[Applying the scientific method to exploration]]
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* [[Scientific predictions: measurement and evaluation]]
* [[Measuring and evaluating scientific predictions]]
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
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[[Category:Developing a philosophy of exploration]]
 
[[Category:Developing a philosophy of exploration]]
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[[Category:Treatise Handbook 3]]

Latest revision as of 14:31, 18 February 2022

Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps
Series Treatise in Petroleum Geology
Chapter Developing a philosophy of exploration
Author Edward A. Beaumont, Norman H. Foster, Richard R. Vincelette, Marlan W. Downey, James D. Robertson
Link Web page
Store AAPG Store

In looking at past actions and past outcomes, it is easy to analyze whether exploration predictions were correct. If they were correct, the technology used for the predictions was probably proper and correct.

In real-time monitoring of whether technology is used properly, managers must rely on subjective measures. One helpful approach is to assess whether a company's technical efforts are truly part of a scientific approach to exploration. A scientific approach requires that technology be used in a logic sequence to solve problems, i.e., be deployed not for its own sake but as part of a scientific methodology.

The scientific method

The logic sequence, or scientific method, has been the basis of scientific work since the time of Copernicus and takes the form shown in the following list:

  1. State a problem.
  2. Collect observations relevant to the problem.
  3. Formulate a hypothetical solution (interpretation) of the problem, consistent with the observations.
  4. Predict other observable phenomena from the hypothesis.
  5. Test predictions by observing occurrences or nonoccurrences of the predicted phenomena.
  6. Accept, modify, or reject the hypothesis (interpretation) in accordance with the degree of fulfillment of the predictions.

Measuring the merit of predictions

Technical work in exploration is most valuable when it both conforms to and lasts through the entire logic sequence. We can appreciate a solid technical effort that produces a good initial interpretation. However, the true measure of merit is the accuracy of the predictions inherent in this first hypothesis and the robustness of the interpretation when these predictions are tested by new data.

See also

External links

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Scientific method
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