Experiments rarely provide final evidence or definitive answers to questions asked during original research as the traditional method suggests. There are numerous methods to science with many external influences to these methods. Luck, guesses, and even dreams can be components of scientific methodology. Scientific Thinking Scientific thinking is primarily a form of inductive thought in which observations of the world are made and general principles are derived from the observations. This is opposed to deductive thought in which the observations of the world are made to fit preconceived, but flexible, ideas.
Deduction is used in science, but induction takes the prominent role.
Also involved in scientific thinking are the processes by which observations are made, the attitudes of those gathering the information, and problem solving skills. Assessment Assessment provides criteria to judge progress of students, teachers, and programs. It serves as a primary feedback mechanism to evaluate student learning, attitudes and performance. Teachers and administrators use assessment data to plan curricula. Design and execution of exemplary assessment practices is an essential aspect of educational reform.