Sentence:  The best way to determine the correct figure ( in captives ) is by direct observation of pairs isolated from birth , a <WSD>method</WSD> that produced surprising results : maturing of a male Indian python in less than two years , his mate in less than three ; data on the boa constrictor about match this . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)