In
methodology
In its most common sense, methodology is the study of research methods. However, the term can also refer to the methods themselves or to the philosophical discussion of associated background assumptions. A method is a structured procedure for br ...
, the power of a method is inversely proportional to the generality of the method, i.e.: the more specific the method, the more powerful.
Examples
''rather general (not very powerful)''
* the exception proves the rule;
* blame your predecessor;
* when in doubt, cut it out;
* to understand something is to stand under it;
*
false dichotomy
A false dilemma, also referred to as false dichotomy or false binary, is an informal fallacy based on a premise that erroneously limits what options are available. The source of the fallacy lies not in an invalid form of inference but in a false ...
, as "there are two kinds of people in the world"
''somewhat specific''
* find, then control key variables to make an experiment
reproducible
Reproducibility, also known as replicability and repeatability, is a major principle underpinning the scientific method. For the findings of a study to be reproducible means that results obtained by an experiment or an observational study or in a ...
.
* make
hypotheses, then try to disprove them;
* form a question, the answer to which will divide the
problem space into two subspaces of about equal size;
*
Occam's razor: all else being equal, the more likely hypothesis is the one with fewer assumptions;
* measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with axe;
''very specific (very powerful)''
* confirm presence of blood with
luminol
Luminol (C8H7N3O2) is a chemical that exhibits chemiluminescence, with a blue glow, when mixed with an appropriate oxidizing agent. Luminol is a white-to-pale-yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in most polar organic solvents, but insolub ...
;
See also
*
Gödel's incompleteness theorems
*
Holism
*
Reductionism
References
* Concept of Method, Justus Buchler (1985)
External links
* http://www.scientificmethod.com/p_master.html
Methodology
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