A geologist Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin reveals how the scientific studies are designed to enhance people's knowledge of natural phenomena through three distinct intellectual methods. In the history of progression, the three methods involve the method of ruling theory, method of working hypotheses, and the method of the multiple working hypotheses. In this article, Chamberlin emphasizes on the method of multiple working hypotheses because it helps the researcher to organize research in a more efficient way compared to other methods.
The method of multiple working hypotheses helps the researcher to avoid the radical defect of the partiality of the intellectual parentage, which is common to other two methods. Through the method of multiple working hypotheses, the researcher can develop multiple hypotheses before he/she conduct the researcher. Consequently, this helps the researcher to develop a research that is more likely to produce meaningful results. In addition, this method has other several benefits to the researchers. For instance, the method of multiple working hypotheses encourages complex explanation of the phenomena because it helps the researcher to determine the interaction of different causes. Another special advantage of this method is that it enhances thoroughness in the study. Finally, the method allows people to perceive the imperfection in their knowledge and hence allows them to choose the hypotheses that offer substantial evidence.
However, the method of multiple working hypotheses has possible demerits. One of the drawbacks is that the researcher is restricted to express the multiple hypotheses simultaneously. As a result, the natural tendency of allowing one hypothesis to take primacy emerges. However, this problem can be solved by formulating a written list of the multiple hypotheses, rather than a mental one. Another problem is associated with developing of hypotheses through an open mind, which might result in difficulty in testing and evaluating. Lastly, this method is restricted by the problem of the indecision and vacillation when determining the effective evidence from various hypotheses.
Reference
Chamberlin, T.C., (1890), The method of multiple working hypotheses: Science (old series) v. 15, p. 92-96; reprinted 1965, v. 148, p. 754-759.
