Understanding the Scientific Method: Types, Requirements, and Applications
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is defined as the set of principles, rules, or standards for the study and solution of research problems. R = Scientific Method
It refers to a set of procedures, using the necessary tools or skills, to examine and solve a problem or set of research problems. R = The scientific method
Types of Scientific Methods
- Inductive Method: Derives general conclusions from particular premises.
- Deductive Method: The conclusion is implicit in the premise and goes from the universal to the particular.
- Inductive-Deductive Method: Essential steps move from the particular to the general.
- Hypothetical-Deductive Method: Involves observation of a phenomenon, followed by creating a hypothesis to explain it.
- Analytical Method: Involves separating a whole into its constituent parts or elements.
- Synthetic Method: Involves the union of elements into a whole.
- Analytic-Synthetic Method: Combines analysis and synthesis of a whole.
- Comparative Historical Method: Compares past events to analyze the specific path of a theory and its conditioning in different historical periods.
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methods:
- Qualitative: Aims at describing the qualities of a phenomenon.
- Quantitative: Aims to gather data in figures and examine them.
Requirements of the Scientific Method
Scientific knowledge is factual: It starts with facts, respects them, and always returns to them. Empirical science begins with the observation of facts and events, studying them without changing them. If changes are necessary, they must be objective, not arbitrary.
Scientific knowledge transcends the facts: It discards facts, produces new facts, and explains them. After describing phenomena, they are ranked. Science is not merely the classification of phenomena but also the explanation of them by formulating hypotheses and theories.
Science is analytical: Scientific research breaks down objects into their components and their interdependencies. Science does not ignore the short, but rejects the irrational claim that synthesis can be learned by a special intuition, without consideration.
Scientific research is specialized: Science is divided into sectors, somewhat independent. Despite this specialization, there is a unity of methodology due to an analytical approach to problems and the application of the scientific method.
Scientific knowledge is clear and precise: It has techniques for finding and capitalizing on mistakes. Science uses artificial and symbolic languages and seeks to measure facts.
Scientific knowledge is communicated: Knowledge is publicly expressible, making communication possible and increasing the likelihood of theory verification.
Scientific knowledge is verifiable: Scientific hypotheses must be confirmed by experience.
Scientific research is methodical: It is planned, but researchers do not exclude chance, even if the research is produced deliberately.
Scientific knowledge is systematic: It is a system of logically connected ideas, where any change in the basic ideas produces a radical change in the final knowledge.
Scientific knowledge is general: It places unique facts into general patterns, ignoring isolated empirical data.
Scientific knowledge is legal: It is composed of laws that are sought and applied, inserting unique facts into general patterns called “natural laws” or “social laws.”
Science is explanatory: It tries to explain facts in terms of laws and laws in the beginning, answering the question “Why?” about the facts.
Scientific knowledge is predictive: It is an effective way to test hypotheses, key to the control and modification of events.
Science is open: It does not recognize priority or barriers that limit knowledge. Scientific notions are not final and are fallible.
Science is useful: It seeks the truth and is effective. With knowledge of things, modern science can be used successfully.