The discipline employs the scientific method to investigate questions related to human evolution, human biological variation, and the interactions between biology and culture. This approach relies on testable hypotheses, data collection through observation and experimentation, and rigorous statistical analysis to draw conclusions. For example, studies of skeletal remains use forensic techniques to estimate age at death and identify potential causes of mortality, thus providing data that can be analyzed and interpreted within a scientific framework.
Adherence to the scientific method allows the field to contribute significantly to our understanding of human origins, adaptation, and health. By applying evolutionary theory and principles of genetics, researchers can trace the lineage of modern humans, analyze the impact of environmental factors on human biology, and develop more effective strategies for disease prevention and treatment. This knowledge is built cumulatively, with new findings continually refining existing theories and expanding our comprehension of the human condition across time and space.
