===== Scientific Methodology ===== **Scientific [[method]]ology** refers to the **[[systematic]], [[logical]], and [[empirical]] framework** used to investigate questions, generate knowledge, and validate findings through **observation, experimentation, and analysis**. ==== Core Components ==== * **Observation**: Careful identification of phenomena or patterns. * **Hypothesis formulation**: Testable and falsifiable propositions. * **Experimental design**: Controlled methods to test hypotheses. * **Data collection**: Accurate and objective gathering of information. * **Analysis**: Use of statistical or computational tools to interpret results. * **Validation**: Reproducibility, peer review, and external confirmation. * **Conclusion**: Interpretation of findings in context, acknowledging limitations. ==== Principles ==== * **Objectivity**: Avoiding bias in design, interpretation, and reporting. * **Reproducibility**: Methods and results should be repeatable by others. * **Transparency**: Clear documentation of procedures and assumptions. * **Falsifiability**: Theories must be disprovable by evidence. ==== Misuse Warning ==== Use of the term “scientific methodology” without adherence to these principles can be misleading, especially in: * Poorly validated AI models * Overinterpreted tractography results * Flashy but untested clinical tools