What is scientific method...?

The scientific method is a merger of two historical models of science

1. Empirical method

2. hypothetico-deductive method

The empirical method is rooted in the approaches of Francis Bacon, a 17th-century author, and philosopher (https://www.britannica.com/science/Baconian-method). To realize the empirical method, our knowledge-seeking approach has to be free from prejudices and preconceptions. While studying or investigating, we have to start by describing the facts associated with the truth behind a phenomenon. After that, we have to classify the facts as instances of absence of the truth, presence of truth, and varying degrees of its existence. Finally, we have to reject the facts that are not linked with the phenomenon.

We can identify the facts based on the data we get from the phenomenon. The data has to be gathered directly from the experiences we have through our external senses. We will find the relationships and patterns of the facts using the method of induction.

Induction is a way of reasoning, using which we will come to a conclusion depending upon various facts. The best instance for induction is our anticipations about the climate based on different seasons. Observations of our ancestors on many facts related to seasons ended up with general theories such as blossoms during spring, warmth during summer, cold during winter, and shedding of leaves during autumn. In other words, these facts helped us to develop general principles or theories regarding the seasons. Now, we can check if this is true using the method of deduction. We can predict that in the winter, we will experience a cold climate. And we can develop further theories such as 'we need jackets during winter to overcome the cold.'

The deduction is a way of reasoning when we develop new facts based on an existing theory. So, Isaac Newton did an induction when he concluded that there is gravity, observing the facts that everything is coming down. After establishing evidence for the theory of gravity, he used the method of deduction to conclude different facts, such as potential energy and kinetic energy. 

The hypothetico-deductive method uses the method of deduction for the construction of scientific theories. In the hypothetico-deductive method, we will first consider the already existing theories. These theories will help us to state our hypothesis. Then we will make sure if we have to accept or reject the hypothesis using the method of deduction. For this, we have to collect and analyze the numerical data of the phenomenon. We may be able to predict future events or behavior based on the inferences we make from the analysis. We will use the available literature to find supportive evidence for these inferences.