Scientific method

The scientific method seeks to explain the events of nature in a reproductible way. An explanatory thought experiment or hypothesis is put forward, as explanation, using principles such as parsimnry(also known as "occam's razor") and are generally expected to seek consilience—fitting well with other accepted facts related to the phenomena.This new explanation is used to make fasifiable predictions that are testable by experiment or observation. The predictions are to be posted before a confirming experiment or observation is sought, as proof that no tampering has occurred. Disproof of a prediction is evidence of progress.

While performing experiments to test hypotheses, scientists may have a preference for one outcome over another, and so it is important to ensure that science as a whole can eliminate this bias. This can be achieved by careful experimental desigin, transparency, and a thorough peer review process of the experimental results as well as any conclusionsAfter the results of an experiment are announced or published, it is normal practice for independent researchers to double-check how the research was performed, and to follow up by performing similar experiments to determine how dependable the results might be.