Any problem-solving method can be treated in one of two ways: in a very general way that helps students organize low-powered "research," or in a systematic, rigorous, way where the conclusions drawn are in fact warranted by the data collected in a controlled experiment. In the real world we use different approaches depending on the circumstances we encounter. At times, we are not able to solve a problem without relying on a rigorous scientific method that controls variables. At other times, a general inquiry approach is all that’s needed. Students should be conversant with this reality and the IMaST developers have therefore incorporated both approaches into their materials.