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6.18 Steps of the Modern Scientific Method



               6.18       Steps of the Modern Scientific Method



               6.18.1      Problem Identification

                   The process begins by identifying a clear, specific problem. Example: “How can we

               reduce the execution time of a sorting algorithm?”



               6.18.2      Observation and Background Research

                   Relevant data, previous studies, and existing solutions are reviewed. In computing:

                   ˆ   eviewing existing algorithms                                                                            R

                   ˆ   tudying system logs                                                                                     S

                   ˆ   nalyzing datasets                                                                                       A


               6.18.3      Formulation of Hypothesis

                   A hypothesis is a testable statement predicting the outcome. Example: “Using a

               divide-and-conquer approach will reduce execution time for large datasets.”


               6.18.4      Experimentation


                   Experiments are designed to test the hypothesis under controlled conditions. In com-

               puting:

                   ˆ   unning algorithms on different inputs                                                                   R
                   ˆ   easuring execution time and memory usage                                                                M

               Programming Example:






























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