Okay, your question is one of scientific rigor. Scientists must first Observe, then Propose, then Postulate, then Theorize, then Confirm, any finding that we make.
1. You observe a leaf outside your window floating upwards in the air.
First, we consider two factors: what made the leaf float, and what is it floating in? AT first, we're tempted to presume that the leaf is floating in air, but science denounces presumption. Regardless, we consider first the simplest explanation: Occam's Razor. Our theory suggests that the leaf is floating in the wind, which of course presumes air, and that it is moving. However presumptuous, we consider it first.
2. You observe a withered plant that appears to be dying.
Here we have our first point in common: MOST plants have leaves. Still a dangerous presumption, but we have established a pattern. Now, we test the pattern by reviewing our first point. If points 1, and 2, coincide, then we have a postulate, but it is not yet confirmed by other theory or even observation.
3. You observe no stars in the night sky.
Here we see the need for "openness and fairness" in science. At first, the idea erupts that the air is so full of leaves that they occlude our view of the stars, but we must also consider something far more likely: that atmospheric disturbance could also cloud our view. Now, we must decide on the greater likelihood: disturbance or occlusion, possibly both. Sadly, more often than not, we wind up with more questions than answers. Here arises the idea of the Moot Question. These are questions that do not lead us to a correct answer.
4. You observe this evening's sunset to be very red.
Now, we are going to eliminate as many moot questions as possible. We see the sun, it is in a "red" phase, but can we quantify what it should ideally look like? Remember, we must quantify, not qualify. While we have dismissed that leaves occlude our view of the stars, then why can we see the stars at all during the sunset? Eliminate all but the concept of atmospheric disturbance, noting that atmospheric disturbance accounts for the leaves appearing to float.
Whenever you do a research project, remember that you must keep an open and analytical mind. Consider all the known variables, but do not develop a fixation on any one of them.
Now, we consider an experiment to verify all the observed phenomena.
1. Find a plant with naturally dried leaves. Place it in a tube with an anemometer at the top to find the leaf's terminal velocity (the speed it will fall through air).
2. Place a telescope in the tube and take a shot at the dusk, to determine the wind speed that will result in optical aberration.
Continue until you know enough about the optical properties of air to Advance your theory.
Then sigh in disgust as you find that some other researcher already puiblished a paper on those properties ten days before you published.
