MULTIPLE WORKING HYPOTHESES Conclusions
Evidence from the peer-reviewed scientific literature in the geosciences indicates that the MMWH is still recognized as valuable although it is not practiced in all — or even most — geoscience research projects.
The main reasons given by scholarly writers for the under- utilization of the MMWH mostly relate to differences in prac- titioner priorities, standards or conventions which develop in various scientific sub-disciplines or specialties. Although many specialties might be categorized as belonging to the geosci- ences, the training and performance expectations applied to their respective practitioners are not uniform.
Retaining the value of the MMWH in the geosciences — indeed, for all sciences — depends on university educators consistently using the MMWH in training courses and in professional organizations making the MMWH an expectation for practitioners.
About the Author
James L. Gooding is Managing Director of Geoclime, LLC, providing quality and risk management consulting for energy, water, science and engineering projects with geotechnical elements. He is a licensed Professional Geoscientist (PG) in Texas and is credentialed by the American Society for Quality as a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).
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