Science of Biology and Scientific Method 23 



and should be used whenever possible. After the working hypotheses 

 have been completed and the proper method of investigation decided 

 upon the next step follows : 



C. The Accurate Collection and Recording of Pertinent Data 



This may be done by the careful observation of facts or by scientific 

 experimentation in order to prove or disprove the working hypotheses. 

 As pertinent data are accurately collected or as observations are scien- 

 tifically made, they should be precisely recorded in such ways that sig- 

 nificant and meaningful interpretations can be made. All measure- 

 ments, observations, records, interpretations of data, or "case histories" 

 must be scientifically accurate and sufficiently comprehensive to be re- 

 liable. The accurate collection and recording of data and information 

 may make the difference between the problem being solved correctly or 

 incorrectly. The investigator must be honest, open-minded, and faith- 

 ful, his observations must be correct, his instruments must be accurate 

 and accurately read, and his records must be comprehensive and com- 

 plete and contain only relevant materials. After the reliable data have 

 been recorded and the correct observations have been made, the next 

 step follows: 



D. The Formulation of Logical Conclusions by the Scientific Analysis 

 and Correct Interpretation of the Data and Facts 



After the data and facts have been properly recorded, they must be 

 analyzed scientifically and interpreted logically in order to solve the 

 problem correctly. Data and facts must be rechecked several times to 

 prove their validity and relevance to the specific problem being investi- 

 gated. Certain data may be found neither to prove nor disprove the 

 hypotheses; hence they may be discarded as irrelevant or possibly rein- 

 vestigated in a different manner so as to give additional data which are 

 relevant. A check should be made repeatedly to keep errors to a mini- 

 mum. Facts are always present around us, but their proper collection 

 and logical interpretation form the basis upon which scientific knowl- 

 edge is built. 



The conclusions, if drawn logically, (1) may merely substantiate the 

 validity and accuracy of previously known facts or observations or (2) 

 may be entirely new conclusions which could be formulated only in the 

 light of the data collected or from observations made. Be careful not 

 to draw conclusions which are broader than the collected data will 



