The Scientific Method

What is the Scientific Method? And How Does Mufon Adhere to It?

Field investigators apply the scientific method of investigation in the following manner: we establish a hypothesis, then set out to prove or disprove the hypothesis. Our hypothesis is “this event can be explained rationally”, and we set out to PROVE it. Sometimes we need to consult with experts in order to find the necessary proof. In the end, we succeed in proving this hypothesis 95% of the time. About 2-3% of the cases are truly unexplained, and that is NOT a trivial conclusion, since 2-3% of thousands of cases a year worldwide is a significant number of unexplained events. The scientific conclusion from this data is that there are unexplained events in our world that are genuinely worthy of further scientific investigation.

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

– Attributed to Aristotle

The Scientific Method and the Study of Ufos

The study of a phenomenon commonly known as unidentified flying objects is a random observational event that makes it difficult to use all aspects of the scientific method but at the same time it is an area where it is very important to use scientific procedures and techniques. The UFO phenomenon does not lend itself to experimentation that allows one to examine the phenomenon in a controlled manner. The Norwegian, Italian, French study of the Hessdalen Lights in Norway is the closest example of a UFO event that reoccurs in a specific geographical area and this type of situation allows a certain amount of repeatable scientific observations and measurements. But the UFO phenomenon as it has been reported since the second World War is a more random observational type of event than what occurs in the area of Hessdalen, Norway. An historical example of a similar phenomenon were meteor showers during the 18th century. The events initially were not predictable and reports of meteor showers were always anecdotal until the beginning of the 19th century when the Leonid Showers were tied to comet Tempel-Tuttle. Our ability to predict a UFO event is equally handicapped.

Mufon's Use of the Scientific Method

In the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, MUFON strives to use the scientific method. Data is collected through online reports that identify specific information that can be used to make reports as accurate as possible. Among the parameters collected on UFO reports include: date, time, latitude, longitude, witness report, witness background and age, UFO color/shape/brightness, and directional information. A MUFON Field Investigator then interviews the witnesses who made the report and collects additional information such as angular size, elevation, azimuth, brightness, if possible the distance to the object, and other measurable information. The Field Investigator looks for the possibility that the witness misinterpreted what was seen. Common objects that a witness may consider to be a UFO include Chinese Lanterns, aircraft, drones, astronomical objects, and light reflections.

In order to augment scientific research into the study of the UFO phenomenon, MUFON created a Science Review Board (SRB) in 2012. The SRB consists of 8-9 scientists with backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, geology, biology, computer science, and astronomy. These individuals are all well versed in the use of the scientific method both through their educational background as well as their occupations. This group oversees science projects within MUFON and instills the use of the scientific method in the analysis of the best cases that are reported each year.

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