The Scientific Method

When you hear the term “the scientific method,” what image comes to mind? A test tube? A scientist in a white lab coat?

Well, here’s something amazing; the scientific method is used every day by strategic communications professionals for research that helps them do their jobs better. 

Elements of the Scientific Method

Let’s start by taking a look at the elements of the scientific method:

• Identify the problem
• Define the problem: review existing research and information
• Develop hypotheses and research questions
• Determine an appropriate methodology/research design
• Collect relevant data
• Analyze and interpret the results
• Present the results in an appropriate form
• Replicate the study   

So, how does this process work for strategic communication research? Let’s look at that in the following sections.