Use of the Scientific Method Essay

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Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony


The Scientific Method

The scientific method is one of the most commonly utilized mechanisms in physical science to develop and conduct experiments. This method consists of several sequential steps, which are reflections of what happens during the scientific process. The use of the scientific method in conducting experiments is influenced by its ability to help lessen experimental bias and errors, which contribute towards poor results. Through lessening bias and errors in experiments, the scientific method enhances the reliability and accuracy of the results, which in turn enhances the researcher's confidence. The sequential steps in this method contribute to achievement of accurate results through proper organization of thoughts and procedures by scientists when performing an experiment (Science Made Simple, n.d.).



As a result of its capability to produce accurate results in experiments, the scientific method can be applied to problems or challenges in a particular field of study or everyday life. An example of a field and problem that could benefit from the application of the scientific method is the criminal justice field with regards to the reliability of eyewitness testimony. According to Bohannon (2014), eyewitness testimony is one of the crucial elements in the criminal justice field that has considerable outcomes on the outcomes of a case. However, the reliability of eyewitness testimony has been a major issue for professional in the criminal justice field. This is a major concern because of the fact that an individual may not have accurate memory of an event and the likelihood to criminal investigation to distort eyewitness' memory (Stambor, 2006).



In light of the significance of this issue, the scientific method can be applied to determine the reliability of eyewitness testimony during criminal proceedings. In this case, I would follow each of the steps of the scientific method to examine and generate conclusions on this issue. This process would entail conducting a research to understand the problem or issues facing the reliability of eyewitness testimony.

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I will focus on examining and understanding all factors that contribute to this problem, especially how criminal proceedings affect the ability of a witness to recall an event. Based on my understanding of the problem, I will then apply each of the steps of the scientific method in examining the issue. These logical and rational steps will be crucial towards generating accurate results to help in determining the reliability of eyewitness testimony.

Hypothesis



To conduct this experiment, the researcher has developed a hypothesis that will be tested when applying the scientific method. The hypothesis is, "When eyewitness testimony is used as evidence in a criminal proceeding, an accurate ruling is made by the court." The independent variable in this hypothesis is "eyewitness testimony" while the dependent variable is "the ruling of the court." The testing of this hypothesis will help in indicating the extent with which eyewitness testimony can be relied upon as an accurate representation of an event. It is expected that the use of the scientific method is examining this issue will highlight facts and issues that help in determining a suitable answer to the problem of reliability of eyewitness testimony. The expected outcomes of the actions employed in the application of the scientific method in analyzing this issue is that eyewitness testimony is a reliable piece of evidence that shapes the outcome of a case. The criterion that will be utilized to determine the success of these actions is the extent with which the relationship between the two variable is established. Generally, the use of the logical steps in the scientific method is expected to provide indicators on the level with which eyewitness testimony influences court decisions/rulings.

Actions for Testing the Hypothesis



As previously indicated, the determination of the reliability….....

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References

Bohannon, J. (2014, October 3). How Reliable is Eyewitness Testimony? Scientists Weigh In. Retrieved April 21, 2017, from http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2014/10/how-reliable-eyewitness-testimony-scientists-weigh

Science Made Simple. (n.d.). Understanding and Using The Scientific Method. Retrieved April 21, 2017, from http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/scientific_method.html

Softschools.com. (n.d.). Scientific Method Examples. Retrieved April 21, 2017, from http://www.softschools.com/examples/science/scientific_method_examples/167/

Stambor, Z. (2006, April). How Reliable is Eyewitness Testimony? American Psychological Association, 37(4). Retrieved April 21, 2017, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/apr06/eyewitness.aspx

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