Again, it depends on the context of the challenge.

I read your sugestion as the ability for a judge to use a check list to determine if the correct methodology was employed in a reliable manner. One may follow the sceintific method with respect to the steps, but still come to an unreliable conclusion. Thus, it is not just a determination of whether the necessary steps were followed. I can say I tested my hypothesis against data, but I have seen investigations where not all of the available data was used to test the hypohtesis and had this person done so, it would have changed the determination. A judge could take the position that the investigator did follow the scientific method because he tested his hypohtesis ("check"), but not look further to see if he correctly applied the SM in that specific case to reach reliable conclusions. This siutation can play out because of ignorance on the part of the investigator and lawyer, as well as the judge.

By the way, what was the context of the challenge i nthe case you described?

Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
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