Here's why:
* Science is constantly evolving: New tools, techniques, and even the very way we think about science changes over time.
* The scientific method is flexible: It's a framework, not a rigid set of steps. Scientists adapt their approach based on the specific question they are investigating.
However, there are core principles that are essential to the scientific process, and these shouldn't be disregarded:
* Empirical evidence: Scientific conclusions must be based on observations and data.
* Testability: Hypotheses must be able to be tested and potentially falsified.
* Peer review: Scientific work should be scrutinized by other experts in the field.
* Transparency: Methods and data should be readily accessible and reproducible.
While the specific steps of a scientific investigation can change, the core principles of scientific inquiry remain constant.