Methodology of Discovery in

Science and Technology

David D. Pokrajac
Delaware State University

The Tesla Science Foundation Memorial

Conference
New York, 1/8/2017
 What is Science?
• Systematic pursuit for truth about nature
• Intellectual discipline consisting of:
– Observations
– Experiments
– Contemplation
• Culture of exchanging ideas, criticizing,
communication
• Profession that is honored, but that will not
make you rich
 What is NOT Science?
• Collection of ANY assumptions, assertions,
beliefs… that are not based on
observations/experiments
• Extensive use of meaningless buzzwords and
Latin
• Easy business of “low-hanging fruits”
• A way for self-promotion
 Terminology of Science
• Hypothesis:
– A proposed explanation of a phenomenon. Need
be tested
• Theory:
– Well-substantiated explanation of some aspects of
natural World based on facts repeatedly
confirmed through observations and experiments
 Scientific Method
• Ask a question about a natural phenomenon
• Observe the phenomenon
• Hypothesize the explanation of the phenomenon
• Predict observable consequences of the hypothesis
• Test the prediction based on observation, experiment,
simulations
• Based on data, make conclusions, if needed modify the
hypothesis and repeat the process
• Write description of method, results and conclusions
• Review results of peers researching the same phenomenon
 Characteristics of Scientific Work
• Standard methods (followed by physicists,
astronomers, etc.)
• Peer review
• Logical reasoning
• Using models
• Reliance on data
• Use of references
• Communication of results
 Science and Skepticism
• It is OK to suspect someone’s works or results
• It is perfectly OK to repeat experiment(s) or observation(s)
leading to the results
BUT…
• You must have excellent understanding of theory underlying
the experiment/observation
– You cannot show that the theory is wrong unless you understand it!
• You must be proficient in experimentation/observation
techniques
– What do you measure?
– How?
– Why?
 Scientist Non-scientist
Has healthy skepticism against new, Has skepticism against scientific
unusual claims method and significant portions of
scientific claims
Encourages criticism of their own work Is very sensitive on criticism and
considers it personal
Publishes results in peer-reviewed Publishes results in “vanity”
journals publications
OR
is afraid to publish since “someone
may “steal” their ideas”

Presents all the relevant data
Relies on experiments/observations
Needs to prove that his/her claim is
right
Presents only data that support their
claim
Relies on anecdotal evidence or
personal experience
Asks other to prove that his/her claim
is wrong
 Science vs. Inventions
• Science:
– Systematic knowledge about Universe
– Cannot be patented
• Inventions:
– Based on scientific principles
– Processes/devices that solve a particular problem
– Can be patented and commercialized
 Inventions based on “New Science”
• DANGEROUS TRAP FOR INVENTORS!

I invented new stuff…

Because it would
That is based on new
disclose details of my
science…
invention…

But I cannot provide

evidence for “new
science”…

NOBODY WILL TRUST YOU UNLESS YOU PROVIDE EXPERIMENTAL

RESULTS FOR “NEW SCIENCE” FIRST
What Makes Invention Successful?
• It works • It is not prohibitively
expensive

• It “resolves
problem”
$295 in 1939=$4,983 in 2016

• It is new
 Literature/Reference
• http://www.lemelson.org/content/studies-an
d-
reports
• http://bit.ly/Process-of-Science