Scientific Abduction

The major difference between the analytical problem solving and the so-called creative or scientific problem solving discussed here is that we know the structure that creates our result and the scientist does not. That is, we have two of the essential elements and can reason our way to the third. He must invent the second before he can reason to the third.

In reasoning to the third, the scientist follows the classical scientific method:

- Hypothesize a structure that could explain the result

- Devise an experiment that will confirm or exclude the hypothesis

- Carry out the experiment to get a clear yes-or-no answer

- Recycle the procedure, making sub-hypotheses or sequential hypotheses to define the possibilities that remain, and so on.

The hallmarks of the scientific method are generating hypotheses and devising experiments. Both activities demand high levels of visual thinking.