Healthy scientific method in 127 words; Bad science in 85 words
First, acknowledge some discrepancy catches your attention.
- Observe more closely to identify the discrepancy more clearly.
- Google the topic to see if you are re-inventing the wheel.
- If not, document your observations. Do experiments to verify and document the extent of the discrepancy.
- When you have adequate-sufficient observations to make a guess, share with sympathetic colleagues what new insight may be present.
- Listen to feedback. It will at least tell you how hard others are likely to push back, when and if you go public with your research.
- Devise an experiment so others can replicate your findings.
- If beneficial to you, your career and the 99% of humanity, pursue building consensus on your novel insight until sufficient consensus exists to replace the older, more faulty consensus (takes about 30 years).
(137 words)
Bad science in 100 words (Dr. Frankenstein’s playbook)
- In all your research and documentation, leave out your own and all moral-ethical considerations.
- Ignore discrepancies which catch your attention. Neglect your intuitions. Scorn your dreams and nightmares.
- Work only for a paycheck. Disrespect the human cost and environmental consequences of furthering research assigned to you.
- Tell no one your doubts about what you are doing.
- When offered a research grant, always say, “Yes, give me $100,000 and I will prove or disprove any fact or theory you want me to.”
(85 words)
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