The scientific method starts with a specific objective or question, then collects and analyzes evidence suited to it. This focused sequence makes data collection more manageable and reduces spurious findings compared with searching through data first. section 2.2
Assessing golf skill with photographs
Instead of asking whether someone is broadly good at golf, collect targeted evidence: photographs of the person mid-swing, celebrating at the 18th hole, or holding a scorecard. Then question the evidence: the celebration might be for someone else, and the scorecard might be forged. Missing context, bias, and inaccurate data can still produce wrong conclusions. section 2.2
Use the method as a practical data check:
- Define the objective before collecting evidence. section 2.2
- Ask how the data was created, what influenced it, and what it fails to capture. section 2.2
- Check whether the evidence represents the domain before trusting conclusions or models. section 2.2
