This examination of the principles of scientific research and experimentation demonstrates that a deeper understanding of science's historical and philosophical context can enhance productivity and improve experimental outcome. Targeting scientists, science teachers and graduate students, Gauch (crop and soil sciences, Cornell U.) maintains that such an understanding can give a more accurate perspective on the rationality of the scientific approach and science's role in society. Gauch discusses current "science wars" and science's presuppositions, and then examines deductive and inductive logic, probability, statistics, parsimony, science's powers and limits, and science education. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)