Science Deduction and Induction

Science is a study of the physical universe wherein. Nonetheless although it looks for exact and accurate answers, it is always open to changes provided that previously held believes or paradigms are not anymore useful. To this end, there are two logical methods that are applicable to science, deduction and induction. Deduction refers to the logical method wherein the scientist presents an argument which he/she would later prove through a series of observation and/or experiments.

For instance, it has long been a belief that a ‘god particle’ also known as ‘Higgs boson particle’ exists, with regards to the big bang theory (Lederman and Teresi, 2006). Scientist are now trying to undermine what is this so-called ‘god particle’ which supposedly started the whole universe. The deduction method of science is useful in proving theories, most especially those that are controversial. Through this method, a scientist can prove and/or disprove a particular theory or hypothesis. Experiments are essential in the deduction method to support the thesis or the theory.

Through creating a ‘cycle of proof’ that almost always yields to the same result, a particular theory can be proven. Deduction is prominently used in areas such as quantum physics, since a scientist can propose that a certain particle or a certain relationship exist and later on prove it (McPhee, 2008). The other scientific method is induction. This is also a logical method which tries to arrive to a conclusion through a set of premises (Rothchild, 2008). This differs with deduction since it starts with experimentation prior to theory-formation.

With this in mind, several types of experiments and observation/s are done and afterwards a conclusion will be formed. This is practically what basic scientific experiment does. A repetition of experiment is crucial to determine that a particular trend indeed exists. This is beneficial for health and medical experiments. For example a particular new E. coli strain is in need of a phage, to identify which phage will work, a series of experiments will be done. Afterwards, when the phage was found, the scientist would recreate the experiment on that particular phage to determine its efficacy and effectiveness.

This also ensure that the experiment is accurate, so as the results. In producing a new chemical formulation for instance, a scientist already know some theory or general laws regarding formula combination. Based on former knowledge, a scientist can theorize a possible new chemical combination. To see if the new chemical combination can work and what are its possible effects, the scientist may perform experiments, again based on former knowledge. If the formula works, the scientist would need to recreate the experiments to ensure that he will get or attain the same results.

This would then lead to a conclusion and a proven theory. Such theory can be used by others and would only be rendered as wrong or inappropriate provided that it is nullified. In short, in deduction a theory is first hypothesized and later on proven while in induction a series of experiments are made to discover or formulate a theory. Both have its use in science and scientific inquiry either by proving or disproving theories. Induction and deduction are both logical; with the aid of experiments they are further enhanced and/or backed and warranted.

Works Cited Lederman, L. M. and Teresi, D. (2006). The God Particle: If the Universe Is the Answer, What Is the Question? Mariner Books, pp. 56-58. McPhee,I. (2008). Induction vs. Deduction in Science. Retrieved on October 29, 2008 from http://physics. suite101. com/article. cfm/induction_vs_deduction_in_science Rothchild, I. (2008). Induction, Deduction and the Scientific Method: An eclectic view of the practice of Science. Retreived on October 28, 2008 from http://www. ssr. org/Induction. shtml

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