Self-Correcting Features of the SM-14 Formula (continued)
Stage 8 - Challenge the Hypothesis. This is a major self-correction feature. It requires careful research aided by testing and mathematics where possible. Not only do you accumulate evidence, but also attempt to falsify the hypothesis.
Stage 9 - Reach a Conclusion. This guides you to reach the best conclusion or solution based “on the evidence available today the balance of probability favors the view that…” No claims of arriving at the “truth” are made, because the truth is too hard (even impossible) to determine.
Stage 10 - Suspend Judgment. Cohen and Nagel (1934) describe the value of suspended judgment and the scientific method:
“The other methods discussed are all inflexible, that is, none of them can admit that it will lead us to error. Hence none of them can make provision for correcting its own results. What is called scientific method differs radically from these by encouraging and developing the utmost possible doubt, so that what is left after such doubt is always supported by the best available evidence. As new evidence or new doubts arise it is the essence of scientific method to incorporate them - to make them an integral part of the body of knowledge so far attained.”
Stage 11 - Take Action. Further self-correction is called for by submission of your research and conclusion for opinions of your peers and possible repetition of your results.
Realize the Value of Understanding the Stages. If questions of integrity arise, it is much easier to settle them by reviewing at what stages the trouble possibly occurred. Because of the self-correction features built into the method, there will be few cases of questionable integrity and few questions about the nature of scientifically valid research when the scientific method is followed.
