An approach to scientific investigation emphasizes the collection and analysis of data to identify patterns and formulate hypotheses, rather than starting with a pre-determined hypothesis. This method often involves observation, measurement, and data analysis, with the goal of uncovering new knowledge. For example, a large-scale genomic study that sequences the genomes of many individuals to identify genetic variants associated with a particular disease employs this methodology.
This data-driven scientific exploration is valuable for generating new avenues for research, particularly in fields where existing knowledge is limited. Its strengths lie in its potential to reveal unexpected relationships and novel phenomena, thereby accelerating scientific progress and prompting innovative research questions. Historically, this type of scientific work has led to breakthroughs in fields ranging from medicine to astrophysics.