The
historical method comprises the techniques and guidelines by which
historians research
primary sources and other evidence, and then
write history. The question of the nature, and indeed the possibility, of sound historical method is raised in the
philosophy of history, as a question of
epistemology. History guidelines commonly used by historians in their work require external criticism, internal criticism, and
synthesis. The
empirical method is generally taken to mean the collection of data on which to base a
hypothesis or derive a conclusion in
science. It is part of the
scientific method, but is often mistakenly assumed to be synonymous with other methods. The empirical method is not sharply defined and is often contrasted with the precision of experiments, where data emerges from the systematic manipulation of variables. The
experimental method investigates
causal relationships among
variables. An experiment is a cornerstone of the
empirical approach to acquiring data about the world and is used in both
natural sciences and
social sciences. An experiment can be used to help solve practical problems and to support or negate
theoretical assumptions. The scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating
phenomena, acquiring new
knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of
inquiry must be based on gathering
observable,
empirical and measurable
evidence subject to specific principles of
reasoning. A scientific method consists of the collection of
data through
observation and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses. ==See also==