Scientific Method

The process of logical and methodical investigation is often called “The Scientific Method.” Although the name sounds as if there is a single agreed-upon approach, a short internet search will quickly demonstrate that educational institutions from college level on down use “The Scientific Method” with generally agreed-upon principles but some variations as to the details. Because of the variations in the use of the terminology, we will refer instead to “scientific methods.” Whatever vocabulary is used, the application of scientific methods in vehicle fire investigation is of paramount importance.

Scientific methods include a combination of steps incorporating both deductive and inductive reasoning:

1. Defining the question
2. Collecting data
3. Forming hypotheses
4. Testing hypotheses
5. Conclusions

Analysis is necessary between each of the five steps listed. In this section, we will review the five steps and analysis used in scientific methods as applied to vehicle fire investigation.