What are some limitations of the scientific method and science?

Constrained by the extent of existing knowledge - Developing a hypothesis and designing an experiment is based on current human knowledge. Design of experiment is limited to observation method and instrument - e.g. discovery of viruses depended on the discovery of the electron microscope. Human error - e.g. mistakes can occur in recording observations or inaccurate use of measuring instrument. Deliberately falsifying results - i.e. scientific fraud.  Bias - prior confidence in the hypothesis being true/false can affect accuracy of observation and interpretation of results.

Explanation:

the missing space is phylum