Final answer:
To be scientific, the study design must include a testable hypothesis and a method for collecting empirical evidence. The process should yield measurable, verifiable data and include documentation and justification of each step. Scientific research dispels misconceptions by systematically investigating the natural world.
Step-by-step explanation:
To conduct scientific investigation, a design must include a method for empirically investigating an important question. This involves formulating a hypothesis that is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon, which can be tested through experiments to collect evidence. Within the scientific process, the results must provide measurable data that can either support or refute the hypothesis.
The design of the investigation should be such that it clearly documents all steps and justifies decisions, linking the choice of solutions to scientific principles. The experiment must be capable of yielding results that could potentially prove the hypothesis incorrect. This iterative process embodies the essence of scientific methods, where hypotheses undergo rigorous testing and refinement based on evidence and logical analysis to reach scientific conclusions.
As such, scientific research plays a crucial role in advancing our knowledge, moving us beyond reliance on intuition and authority. It enables the systematic investigation of the world, shedding light on the laws of nature and dispelling misconceptions and superstitions that have historically been accepted without empirical evidence.