Determine the relative value of a research question by applying the FINER method
Identify the stages of the scientific method, and evaluate whether they have been appropriately completed
Evaluate the quality and testability of a hypothesis
The basic paradigm for all scientific inquiry is the scientific method. The scientific method is a set of steps that defines the appropriate order of events to structure and carry
out an experiment. As such, the scientific method is the established protocol for
transitioning from a question to a new body of knowledge. The steps in the scientific
method are:
Generate a testable question: This usually occurs after observing something anomalous in another scientific inquiry
or in daily life.
Gather data and resources: Think back to our introduction; this is the phase of journal and database searches
and compiling information. At this step, we as scientists must be careful to look
for all information, not just that consistent with our expectations.
Form a hypothesis: A hypothesis is the proposed explanation or proposed answer to our testable question. It is often
in the form of an if–then statement, which will be tested in subsequent steps.
Collect new data: This step results from either experimentation, which involves manipulating and controlling variables of interest; or observation, which often involves no changes in the subject’s environment.
Analyze the data: Look for trends and perform mathematical manipulations to solidify the connections
between variables.
Interpret the data and existing hypothesis: Consider whether the data analysis is consistent with the original hypothesis. If
the data is inconsistent, consider alternative hypotheses.
Publish: Publication provides an opportunity for peer review; a summary of what was done during all six prior steps should be included in the
publication.
Verify results: Most experiments are repeated to verify the results under new conditions.
Bridge
It is easy to focus on research that agrees with our expectations or opinions, and
to ignore research that goes against them. This is an example of confirmation bias
at work. Specific types of biases are discussed in Chapter 4 of MCAT Behavioral Sciences Review and later in this chapter.
MCAT Expertise
The MCAT will most often test experimental or logical errors during research. Pay
particular attention to the scientific method now in order to recognize each area
in which an error may occur.
Formulating a testable question often presents students with a challenge because we
tend to overreach, creating all-encompassing broad questions; however, in order to
form a good testable question, it must be restricted to a relatively narrow area.
The same is true of our hypotheses. One might wonder Why do hot objects cause injury? This is not a testable question. In fact, most questions that begin with Why are too broad to be testable through a single experiment. In this case, a better,
more testable question could be How do epithelial cells respond to heat in vivo? Even this question is likely too broad for a single experiment, but it is testable,
and we can form related hypotheses. One possible hypothesis would be: if heat is applied to in vivo epithelial cells, then those cells will lyse. Pay attention to the format of the hypothesis, as the if–then format ensures that
it is testable. We will examine other components of the scientific method as they
pertain to basic science research, biochemical and biomedical research, and social
science research in the relevant sections.
The FINER Method
The FINER method for evaluating a research question is a method to determine whether the answer to
one’s question will add to the body of scientific knowledge in a practical way and
within a reasonable time period. The FINER method asks five questions to make this
determination.
Is the necessary research study going to be feasible? A question about the response of chemosynthetic bacteria to a particular antibiotic
requires access to chemosynthetic bacteria (which are often associated with harsh
and difficult environments to access). If the scientist cannot obtain the necessary
supplies, then the research is not feasible. Financial or time constraints, or the
inability to gather enough subjects are also feasibility concerns.
Do other scientists find this question interesting? This is somewhat subjective, but if there is little interest in the outcome of a
particular research question, then the research will have little utility.
Is this particular question novel? If someone has asked this question before, and answered it to the satisfaction of
a peer-reviewed journal, then it’s now in the confirmatory stages of the scientific
method. Barring any anomalies, asking this question again isn’t likely to gain new
knowledge.
Would the study obey ethical principles? Just because we are capable of carrying out a research study does not
mean it is ethically or morally acceptable. If there’s an ethical or moral reason
not to perform a study, this should dissuade researchers from carrying out the study
just as much as an inability to secure funding.
Is the question relevant outside the scientific community? The more people that the research will impact in
everyday life, the more important it usually is. There are exceptions, of course—many
people might agree that curing a rare fatal illness is more important than improving
the odor of a popular perfume, although a much larger group may be impacted by the
latter study.