Scientific Method: Understanding Scientific Reasoning

My experience with the scientific method: 1) Define the problem: "I'm going to flunk this electronics test if I don't figure out which vacuum tube on this circuit is defective." 2) Form a hypothesis: "Hey! If I grab all the tubes, the one that doesn't shock me will be the burned out tube." 3) Carry out experiments: "Aye, chihuahua!" "Aye, chihuahua!" "Aye, chihuahua!" "Ah-ha!" 4) Analyze the data: "All of the tubes, save one, made me speak Spanish." 5) Formulate a conclusion: "Learning Spanish can be a shocking experience." Okay, maybe this is not the best illustration of the scientific method, the time-honored system used by scientists and knowledge seekers worldwide to determine truth. Fortunately, the video uses a better one. To wit: "What is the effectiveness of vitamin C on colds?" Viewers will learn the step-by-step procedure for implementing the scientific method, including the use of independent and dependent variables, control and experimental groups, and single-blind and double-blind studies, all presented in a very professional manner...without one single iota of humor. Merely meeting curriculum requirements, without any effort to appeal to the young target audience, this program does accomplish its objectives and is therefore recommended, though without much enthusiasm. Aud: E, I, J. (R. Pitman)