In the inductivist scheme of observation, tentative generalization, verification and confirmation constitute the steps of scientific procedure. In the Popperian scheme, we begin with a problem, suggest a hypothesis as a tentative solution, try to falsify our solution by deducing the test implications of our solution, try to show that the implications are not borne out and consider our solution to be corroborated if repeated attempts to falsify it fails. Thus, problem, tentative solution, falsification and corroboration constitute the steps of scientific procedure. Popper's theory of scientific method is called hypothetico-deductivism because, according to him, the essence of scientific practice consists in deducing the test implications of our hypotheses and attempt to falsify the latter by showing that the former do not obtain, whereas according to inductivism, the essence of scientific practice consists in searching for instances supporting the generalization arrived at on the basis of some observations and with the principle of induction.

opper claims that the hypothetico-deductive model of scientific method is superior to inductivist model for the following reasons. First, it does justice to the critical spirit of science by maintaining that the aim of scientific testing is to falsify our theories and by maintaining that our scientific theories however corroborated permanently remain tentative. In other words, the hypothetico-deductivist view presents scientific theories as permanently vulnerable with the sword of possible falsification always hanging on their head. The inductivist view of scientific method makes science a safe and defensive activity by portraying scientific testing as a search for confirming instances and by characterizing scientific theories as established truths. According to Popper, the special status accorded to science is due to the fact that science embodies an attitude which is essentially open-minded and anti-dogmatic. Hypothetico-deductivism is an adequate model of scientific practice because it gives central place to such an attitude. Secondly, Popper thinks that if science had followed an inductivist path, it would not have made the progress it has. Suppose a scientist has arrived at a generalization.