Power of a method

In methodology, the power of a method is inversely proportional to the generality of the method, i.e.: the more specific the method, the more powerful.

Examples

"very specific (very powerful)"
* confirm presence of blood with luminol;

"somewhat specific"
* find, then control key variables to make an experiment reproducible.
* make hypotheses, then try to disprove them;
* form a question, the answer to which will divide the problem space into two subspaces of about equal size;
* Occam's razor: all else being equal, the more likely hypothesis is the one with fewer assumptions;
* measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with axe;

"rather general (not very powerful)"
* the exception proves the rule;
* blame your predecessor;
* when in doubt, cut it out;
* to understand something is to stand under it;
* false dichotomy, as "there are two kinds of people in the world"

References

* Concept of Method, Justus Buchler (1985)

External links

* http://www.scientificmethod.com/p_master.html