Prediction as applied to ACE-V Methodology
Principal Steps of the Scientific Method:
- Observation & Description
- Proposal of a Tentative Hypothesis
- Prediction of the Results of Testing
- Experimentation to Test the Hypothesis
- Conclusion / Validation of the Hypothesis
Typically, a statement of the Prediction follows the proposal of the Hypothesis and preceeds Experimentation to test the Hypothesis. The Prediction is a statement based upon deductive reasoning to foretell the results of the Experimentation. The Prediction is a means to determine if the Experimentation is proceeding correctly or incorrectly. If the Experimentation proceedes in concert with the Prediction, then the proposed Hypothesis has been formulated correctly, and the Experimentation is appropriate for testing the Hypothesis. If the data or results of the Experimentation goes against the Prediction, then either the Experimentation process is inappropriate, or the proposed Hypothesis is wrong.
Early authors of ACE-V methodology have glossed over the inclusion of the Prediction step into this methodology. These authors have envisioned ACE-V as Observation leading to the proposal of a Tentative Hypothesis. This is followed immediately by Experimentation. The Hypothesis is finalized / proven based upon the results of the Experimentation. This application of the Scientific Method to ACE-V methodology creates a rather crowded Evaluation phase in which the proposal of a Tentative Hypothesis, Experimentation and Conclusion all take place.
In an effort to bring ACE-V in compliance with the standard application of the Scientific Method, the following order of is suggested. The proposal of this order of phases doesn't in any way alter the fundamentals, principles and criteria already encompassed by ACE-V methodology.
Early authors of ACE-V methodology have glossed over the inclusion of the Prediction step into this methodology. These authors have envisioned ACE-V as Observation leading to the proposal of a Tentative Hypothesis. This is followed immediately by Experimentation. The Hypothesis is finalized / proven based upon the results of the Experimentation. This application of the Scientific Method to ACE-V methodology creates a rather crowded Evaluation phase in which the proposal of a Tentative Hypothesis, Experimentation and Conclusion all take place.
In an effort to bring ACE-V in compliance with the standard application of the Scientific Method, the following order of is suggested. The proposal of this order of phases doesn't in any way alter the fundamentals, principles and criteria already encompassed by ACE-V methodology.
Prediction-included ACE-V Methodology
