The scientific method comprises several steps. They include characterization, development of hypothesis, predictions, experimentation, and acceptance or rejection of hypothesis (Anger 24). Characterization involves observations and definition of the topic or subject under study.
Hypothesis formulation involves explanation of measurements included in the study. Prediction involves the use of reasoning to make deductions. Finally, experimentation involves performance of tests that are used to attain desired results. Results obtained are used to accept or reject the hypothesis formulated for the study. The scientific method is important to innovation and invention because it eliminates bias and gives results based on factual information (Anger 24).
Pseudoscience refers to processes or claims that are deemed scientific even though they cannot be proved using a valid scientific method, thus making them scientifically unacceptable (Regal 22). They fail to conform to the scientific method because they cannot be tested using a valid hypothesis, cannot produce results that can be verified, and cannot be validated due to lack of factual information.
Marie Curie was a French-Polish physicist and chemist who made tremendous contributions on radioactivity (Cregan 45). She was born in 1867 and studied at Warsaw Floating University. At 24, she travelled to Paris. While in Paris, she earned a higher degree and conducted extensive scientific research on radioactivity.
She developed a theory that explained radioactivity in details, and discovered two elements namely polonium and radium. In addition, she developed ways to separate isotopes (Cregan 47). She was instrumental in the attainment of results obtained from a research study that focused on treatment of neoplasms. Her contributions were monumental and largely shaped the scientific world of the 19th and 20th centuries.
For example, radium’s radioactivity changed the foundations of physics considerably because it contradicted the then famous principle of energy conservation (Cregan 48). Her research work and achievements in the study of radioactivity have contributed significantly to advancement of modern medicine. Her findings have aided in identification and elimination of cancer in today’s society. Her studies on radioactivity have helped save many lives.
Works Cited
Anger, Mary. The Scientific Method. New York: UW-Madison Libraries Parallel Press, 2011. Print.
Cregan, Elizabeth. Marie Curie: Pioneering Physicist. New York: Capstone, 2008. Print.
Regal, Brian. Pseudoscience: a Critical Encyclopedia. New York: Greenwood Press, 2009. Print.