Definition

Adverb: In a manner that is not scientific; not following or using the principles and methods of science.

Usage

The adverb "unscientifically" describes how an action is performed. It is used to indicate that a process, investigation, or conclusion is carried out without proper scientific methodology, such as lacking systematic observation, controlled experiments, or empirical evidence.

Examples

• The researcher was criticized for handling the data unscientifically, drawing conclusions based on personal bias rather than statistical analysis.
• They proceeded unscientifically when they dissected the mummy, damaging the specimen and failing to document their steps.
• Making health decisions based solely on anecdotal stories is acting unscientifically.

Advanced Usage

• "to reason unscientifically": To form conclusions using logic that ignores established scientific facts or methods.
  • He tends to reason unscientifically about climate change, relying on isolated weather events rather than long-term data.
• "an unscientifically gathered sample": A sample collected in a way that introduces bias or error, making it unreliable for scientific generalization.
  • The survey's results were dismissed due to an unscientifically gathered sample of participants.

Variants and Related Words

• Unscientific (adjective): Not in accordance with scientific principles or methods.
  • The journal rejected the paper for its unscientific approach.
• Scientifically (adverb): In a way that relates to or uses science; according to the principles of science.
  • This hypothesis has been scientifically proven.

Synonyms

• Unsystematically: In a manner lacking a planned, ordered approach.
• Empirically (antonym): Based on observation or experience rather than theory; in a scientific manner.
• Atheoretically: Without a theoretical basis or framework.

Related Phrases

• By trial and error: A method of solving a problem by trying different methods until one succeeds, often contrasted with a systematic scientific approach.
  • They developed the recipe unscientifically, purely by trial and error.
• Anecdotally: Based on personal accounts rather than facts or systematic research.
  • The treatment's effectiveness is only supported anecdotally, not unscientifically through clinical trials.

Adverb

1. in an unscientific way; not according to the principles of science
   • they proceeded unscientifically when they dissected the mummy