How does the scientific method vary by field and why?

Oh, this is a fun question. To me, the best place to see these differences are in the field of experimental design and the common statistical analyses that follow for each field. read more

Yes. Methodology does vary from science to science. In physics most of our observations are indirect and by inference based on a theory or hypothesis. In short, our observations in physics are highly theory laden. In geology observations are more direct and less theory laden. Astronomy started off as very direct observation. read more

The procedures of the scientific method vary from one field of study to another, but there are common features shared by various disciplines. The scientific method involves systematic techniques of observation, testing, formulation, experimentation and measurement. read more

Most of the time, however, the scientific method works and works well. When a hypothesis or a group of related hypotheses have been confirmed through repeated experimental tests, it may become a theory, which can be thought of as the pot of gold at the end of the scientific method rainbow. read more