10 Characteristics of Scientific Knowledge, its Definition and Methods

We explain what scientific knowledge is and what its general characteristics are. Also, what is the scientific method and more.

What is scientific knowledge?

Scientific knowledge is that which arises from applying a structured procedure known as the scientific method . In essence, the scientific method is based on the formulation of a hypothesis and subsequent experimentation, in order to put it to the test, and then, through the conclusions , accept or discard it, thus producing this type of knowledge .

Scientific knowledge is often presented in opposition to empirical knowledge , understanding the latter as knowledge based on experience or "doing", including trial and error. While practically all people throughout their life experience access empirical knowledge in one way or another , access to scientific knowledge requires special preparation.

Scientific knowledge requires specialized and technical language , and in certain fields, it also requires elements of symbolization. Accuracy and consistency are essential requirements in the scientific communication process.

Characteristics of scientific knowledge :

1. Systematic

A scientific thought serves as the basis for the one that follows and so on , so that a chain of observations and reasoning leads to new knowledge.

2. Verifiable

This is an essential requirement, there must be the necessary methodology to establish the degree of certainty or accuracy of what that knowledge affirms. It is impersonal.

3. Universal

Regardless of the place or time, what a scientific knowledge indicates is true.

4. Transformer

No one doubts today that scientific knowledge transforms societies and their ways of life .

5. Analytical

Normally , scientific knowledge is accessed by decomposing the whole into its elements or parts, in order to simplify the approach and thus discover underlying internal relationships and mechanisms.

6. Synthetic

Once the parts of the problem have been thoroughly analyzed, you should be able to relate them to formulate a comprehensive idea .

7. Specific

The science analyzes phenomena and situations , because it is impossible to think of a science of the universal.

8. Explanatory

The ultimate goal of scientific knowledge is to try to understand and explain facts by formulating laws or principles.

It may interest you: Laws of thermodynamics .

9. Communicable

Scientific knowledge must be able to be expressed in such a way that others can understand it.

10. Factual

It clings to the facts as they are and are presented.

11. Target

It abstracts from any affective element and only attends to questions of reason .

12. Provisional

Scientific knowledge should not be taken as definitive or immutable , since they maintain their validity as long as there are no new scientific investigations that question them.

Scientific knowledge is a process that is constantly fed back , the search for a rational explanation of the surrounding reality and the possibility of foreseeing future events are its main engines.

It is only possible to generate scientific knowledge if you have adequate methods and critical thinking, not tied to preconceptions or particular interests.

The above content published at Collaborative Research Group is for informational and educational purposes only and has been developed by referring reliable sources and recommendations from experts. We do not have any contact with official entities nor do we intend to replace the information that they emit.