What the scientific method means to innovators

Scientific innovators stand out from others because of their reliance on the scientific method, which has a particular relevance to David Galenson’s observations about conceptual and experimental innovators.

Because of the demands of the scientific method, scientists can’t abandon experimentation, even if their strengths are conceptual, nor can they abandon theory even if their strengths have an experimental bent.

Other types of innovators – from poets to inventors – aren’t bound by the scientific method, so they can pursue their inclinations more single-mindedly.