Scientific Method: How Science Works, Fails to Work, and Pretends to Work

This expanded second edition of Scientific Method shows how science works, fails to work or pretends to work by looking at examples from physics, biomedicine, psychology, sociology and economics.

Scientific Method aims to help curious readers understand the idea of science, not by learning a list of techniques but through examples both historical and contemporary. Staddon affirms that if the reader can understand successful studies as well as studies that appear to be scientific but are not, they will become a better judge of the “science” in circulation today. To this end, this new edition includes a new chapter, What is Science?, which points out that science, like any human activity, has its own set of values, with truth being the core. Other new chapters focus on the emergence of AI and machine learning, science and diversity, and behavioral economics. The book also includes textual features such as bullet-points and text boxes on topical issues.

Scientific Method is essential reading for students and professionals trying to make sense of the role of science in society, and of the meaning, value and limitations of scientific methodology.

John Staddon is James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Professor of Biology and Neurobiology, Emeritus at Duke University. He does research on adaptive behavior, economics and the history and philosophy of science.