Editing Scholarly method (section)

==Methods==
The [[historical method]] comprises the techniques and guidelines by which [[historian]]s research [[primary source]]s and other evidence, and then [[historiography|write history]]. The question of the nature, and indeed the possibility, of sound historical method is raised in the [[philosophy of history]], as a question of [[epistemology]]. History guidelines commonly used by historians in their work require external criticism, internal criticism, and [[Thesis, antithesis, synthesis|synthesis]].

The [[empirical method]] is generally taken to mean the collection of data on which to base a [[hypothesis]] or derive a conclusion in [[science]]. It is part of the [[scientific method]], but is often mistakenly assumed to be synonymous with other methods. The empirical method is not sharply defined and is often contrasted with the precision of experiments, where data emerges from the systematic manipulation of variables. The [[experimental method]] investigates [[Causality|causal]] relationships among [[Variable (mathematics)|variables]]. An experiment is a cornerstone of the [[Empiricism|empirical]] approach to acquiring data about the world and is used in both [[natural science]]s and [[social science]]s. An experiment can be used to help solve practical problems and to support or negate [[Theory|theoretical]] assumptions.

The scientific method refers to a body of techniques for investigating [[Phenomenon|phenomena]], acquiring new [[knowledge]], or correcting and integrating previous knowledge. To be termed scientific, a method of [[inquiry]] must be based on gathering [[observable]], [[empirical]] and measurable [[evidence]] subject to specific principles of [[reasoning]].<ref>[[Isaac Newton]] (1687, 1713, 1726). "[4] Rules for the study of [[natural philosophy]]", ''[[Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica]]'', Third edition. The General Scholium containing the 4 rules follows Book '''3''', ''The System of the World''. Reprinted on pages 794-796 of [[I. Bernard Cohen]] and Anne Whitman's 1999 translation, [[University of California Press]] {{ISBN|0-520-08817-4}}, 974 pages.</ref> A scientific method consists of the collection of [[data]] through [[observation]] and experimentation, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses.<ref>{{cite web|title=scientific method|website=Merriam-Webster Dictionary|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific%20method}}</ref>