I will not argue with you about the understanding of the application of the scientific method. I also agree that there problems with the proper application. I did not mean everyone is following the guidelines of the scientific method when conducting an investigation. I just reviewed a deposition where the person said he followed the scientific method but could not state the steps of the scientific method.

Maybe 921 does not adequately explain how the process of elimination is part of the scientific method. You are right that the goal is to use the methodology of falsification in the testing process of the hypothesis. Using this methodology, especially when there is more than one hypothesis being considered, one is eliminating the different hypotheses using the fasciation methodology. I believe this is what one is talking about when they say the process of elimination is part of the process used in the scientific method.

I have been through may Daubert challenges. You are right that they related to what methodology was used in the development of the conclusion. In each I said I use the process of elimination. I go further to say each potential hypothesis was tested with the goal to show it was false. Doing this I eliminated all but one of the hypotheses. The courts have accepted this explanation. Now I am not saying all courts will follow this method in accepting the methodology being used by the investigator.

I really do not think that we are that far apart. As I said I agree with use as to the falsification aspect of the scientific method. What I have been trying to say is that we use the process of elimination every time we solve a problem or make a decision as to what is the appropriate action to take. We use it in determining how to safety cross a street as an example. I think the methodology used in making this decision is the same process found in the scientific method.

I see the problem when it comes to the fire investigation profession is that the way the scientific method is being taught is not getting across to the students to where they understand the way the scientific method is to be applied.

I will also say I have changed my thinking based of what you have communicated on this subject.

Jim Mazerat
Forensic Investigations Group