UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MUSEUM OF VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD In its evolution, this statement has gone through many revisions. Its present form is approved by so many who have done successful research work that its acceptance as a true description of the scientific method is justified. This statement will be of utility in all departments of science in high schools and in colleges as a means of instruction. Students can place copies in their science note books for frequent reference. It will be useful to graduate students as a guide in self-training in the fulfillment of the scientific method, and to all research workers in planning and carrying through experiments, also in evaluating the scientific quality of the researches of others. 10 May, '26. MILTON FAIRCHILD. The scientific method necessitates intensive, systematic and persistent brain work under control against misunderstandings, superficiality and bias, and in complete loyalty to reality and the truth. None but those having aptitude, instruction and training can be successful in the use of the scientific method of thinking. Description of the Method (1) GATHER DATA on the problem or within a selected field according to some adequate, sound plan by means of numerous and accurate observations made with the human senses, assisted and corrected by instruments of precision. The observations are usually with a well-defined purpose but sometimes for information according to opportunity. Observations must be recorded in definite terms and measurements and in specific statements. Many observers may collaborate in gathering data. (2) CLASSIFY AND ORGANIZE DATA on the basis of similarities, vari- at ions, activities, processes, causes, results. Distinguish between essential and superficial characters. (3) GENERALIZE to get principles and theories into tentative form. Use constructive imagination, discernment, known principles to formulate reasonable generalizations that solve the problem or explain the known facts in the selected field. Many researches accept a mass of classified data and verified generaliza- tions and then proceed to solve some problem by formulating hypotheses thereon and verifying these, without including general gathering of data and classification work. (4) VERIFY generalizations by controlled experiments, by tested predictions of results, by repetition of experiments and the gathering of additional data. Appraise data by coefficients of variations and of correlations, and by probable error. Determine sources of error in method and apparatus, and evaluate by auxiliary investigations. State all assumptions and include them in the conclusions. (5) REPORT the research in full and subject results to criticism and verification by others competent to collaborate. (6) ANNOUNCE the results of the research to the general public for practical use. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SCIENTIST (1) Sincere and open-minded; not diverted by personal interests. (2) Alert and alive to truth, vital; not complacent. (3) Poised; not excitable, hysterical or melancholy. (4) Discerning and thorough; not superficial. (5) Accurate; not indefinite. (6) Inventive and constructive; not lacking initiative. (7) Independent; not suggestible. (8) Thoughtful and persistent; not merely impulsive. (9) Industrious and energetic; not lazy and dilatory. (10) Executive; not haphazard. (11) Purposeful; not led merely by likes and dislikes. (12) Self-confident; not timid.