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what is the difference between problem solving activity and scientific method

The scientific method https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... thod.shtml is a formalized approach to Scientific Investigations that hopefully leads to proving or disproving something. If done rigorously at a college level, it leads to a research paper that can be defended and published as a thesis for a Masters or Doctorial degree. At the post doctoral level, the work is often the basis for a research grant and published scientific paper. In the lower grades, it is the basis of a good Science Fair project and is a great introduction into the basis of how scientists do good scientific investigations.

Problem solving is often something that is used within a scientific method investigation. How do I measure xyz? How do I separate the effects of x and y on z? Problem solving is also widely used in engineering methods. It forms the basis of all non-routine maintenance of anything that breaks or malfunctions. It is used for all conflict resolution and prioritization and games and countless other behaviors.

From a philosophical perspective, there maybe more than one viable solution to a problem; however, for a scientific method investigation with an appropriately worded hypothesis, there can only be on valid conclusion: The hypothesis is true, the hypothisis is false, or the test methods/results were inconclusive.