Understanding Scientific Research: Methods and Concepts
Key Concepts in Scientific Research
- Who engages in science popularization? Writers, scientists, museums, and media.
- What is a theory? A logical deductive reasoning with hypotheses and a scope.
- What is the purpose of a theory? To create scientific models for interpreting observations.
- What is scientific research? The deliberate search for knowledge or solutions to scientific problems.
- What is technological research? Using scientific knowledge to develop technologies.
Scientific Method Fundamentals
1) Etymology of Scientific Method: Greek Goal (to, long) and Ll (path), Latin Scientia (knowledge, path to knowledge).
2) Scientific Method Definition: Predetermined steps to achieve valid knowledge through reliable instruments.
3) Scientific Research Definition: The deliberate search for knowledge or solutions to scientific problems.
4) Research Benefits: Helps establish contact with reality for better understanding.
5) Experimental Research Definition: Intentional activity to distort reality and observe the created phenomenon.
Essential Research Elements
What are the most valuable sources for content and dissemination? Knowledge transmitted through written words, manuscripts, and books.
What does accumulating knowledge mean? Advancing studies and findings from other domains.
What is the final work scheme? A graphic demonstration of the system based on collected material.
What elements support scientific discourse? Maps, charts, illustrations, appendices, and indices.
What is an interview? A conversation between two or more people to discuss a case.
Research Methods
Types of Methods
1. Scientific Method: Follows systematic doubt.
2. General Logic: Used to assess research merits.
Methods for Thought Development
- Problem-solving methods
- Research method
- Creative method
- Decision-making method
- Critical method
- Global learning and productive method
3. Deduction Definition: Comparing a case’s characteristics to a general frame of reference.
Specific Method Types
4. Experimental Method
Statistical Method
Observation Method
5. Technical Term Definition: Procedures and resources used by science to achieve an end.
Scientific Research Aspects
Macro Range of Scientific Research
1. What is the macro range of scientific research? It applies thought to be conquered with methods ensuring testable truth within the scientific community.
Forms of Scientific Research
2. What are the two forms of scientific research? Pure (basic or fundamental) research develops theory through generalizations or principles.
Problem-Solving in Scientific Research
3. What are the three types to solve a problem scientifically?
- Historical: Describes what was.
- Descriptive: Interprets what is.
- Experimental: Describes what will be.
Thorough Investigation Process
4. What is the process for a thorough investigation?
- Choice of subject
- Objectives
- Definition of theme
- Problem
- Theoretical framework
- Methodology
- Report
Research Steps
5. What are the steps for research?
- Forms and Types of Research
- Problem Enunciation
- Information Collection
- Critical Data and Sources
- Hypothesis Formulation
- Interpretation and Report
Additional Definitions
1. Define Science: Knowledge gained by observation and reasoning, systematically structured.
2. What are Social Sciences? Disciplines dealing with human beings, their culture, and society.
3. What is a Model? A description used to make predictions under test.
4. Mention and Describe 3 Steps of the Scientific Method:
- Observation: Log events in a sample.
- Description: Detailed explanation of the phenomenon.
- Induction: Deriving a general principle from observed results.
5. Who is the Father of Modern Science and Why? Galileo Galilei, based his ideas on experimentation.
Further Research Concepts
Where is projective research feasible? In developing proposals or models to solve problems.
What is historical research? Relating past experiences to various scientific disciplines.
What are ways to generate research ideas? Theories, experiments, observation, analysis, approach.
What is a hypothesis? Tentative propositions about the relationship between variables.
Define Method: A series of successive steps leading to a goal.