Investigación: Scientific Model & Evaluation

• Course is titled "Investigación Metodología de la Investigación"
• Instructor is M.Sc. Ing. Roy Alejandro Marroquin Estrada
• Instructor's email is [email protected]

Distribution of Points

• First partial exam is worth 15 points
• Second partial exam is worth 15 points
• Final exam is worth 35 points
• Zone/participation grade worth 35 points, including final project, homework, activities, etc.
• Minimum zone grade to pass is 26 points
• Minimum total score to pass the course is 61 points

Recommended Textbook

• The textbook to be used is "Metodología de la Investigación" 6th edition, by Roberto Hernández Sampieri, published by McGraw Hill Education

Scientific Model

• It represents the natural world.
• It is used to understand, explain, and predict phenomena based on observations, experiments, and theories.

Key Elements of the Scientific Model

• Observation involves collecting data through the senses or measuring instruments.
• Observations can be qualitative (descriptions) or quantitative (numbers and measures).
• Experimentation is the process of testing a hypothesis in a controlled environment
• Experiments designed to manipulate independent variables and observe effects on dependent variables.
• A hypothesis is a testable statement or assumption that should be specific and measurable
• Hypotheses are formulated as a prediction that can be confirmed or refuted through experiments.
• Scientific theory is a conceptual framework.
• It explains a set of observed phenomena and is supported by evidence collected over time
• Theories can evolve as new data is obtained.
• Predictions involve not only explaining past phenomena using the scientific model, but also predictions about future events
• Predictions can be tested through new experiments.
• Peer review is the process where researchers submit their work to scientific journals for evaluation of methodology and results by experts before publication.

Limitations of the Scientific Model

• Subjectivity in observations can be influenced by the observer's perceptions.
• Complexity arises because some phenomena are too intricate to study in controlled conditions.
• Paradigms shift when a scientific model is replaced by a more effective one, such as the geocentric theory being replaced by the heliocentric theory.

Wallace's Wheel

• Wallace's wheel is also known as the "wheel of characteristics" or "wheel of evolution"
• It is a graphic representation of the ideas and concepts proposed by Alfred Russel Wallace in the context of evolution and natural selection

Key Aspects of Wallace's Ideas on Evolution

• Variation refers to the observed differences among individuals of the same species, which can be physical, behavioral, and genetic.
• Inheritance is the process by which characteristics are transmitted from one generation to the next, where genetics play a crucial role.
• Survival and reproduction relate to advantageous characteristics increasing the likelihood of survival and reproduction.
• Natural selection is the mechanism by which evolution occurs, where organisms best adapted to their environment are more likely to leave offspring.
• Speciation is the process by which new species arise, possibly through adaptation to different ecological niches or geographic separation.

Critiques and Limitations of Natural Selection

• Reductionsim suggests critics argue that the natural selection theory oversimplifies the complex biology, since factors like genetics, environment, and behavior also have a crucial role in evolution.
• Environmental influences indicate natural selection is not the sole mechanism of evolution.
• Genetics and mutation are also importnat

Leedy's Spiral

• It is a visual model used in scientific and educational research.
• It demonstrates the process of research and the development of projects.

Steps of Leedy's Spiral Process

• Identify the problem by clearly defining the research question.
• Conduct a literature review to examine previous studies related to the topic.
• Formulate hypotheses based on the literature review.
• Design the research by planning how the investigation occurs
• Collect data with appropriate methods.
• Analyze data by processing the information collated
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations based on the findings.
• Reflect and revise by evaluating the process and adjustments as necessary.

Importance of Leedy's Spiral

• Continuous Cycle indicates research is a dynamic process where findings lead to new questions and areas for exploration.
• Interconnection explains each step is interconnected, where literature affects hypothesis formulation, and results influence future research.
• Reflexive Approach occurs by encouraging researchers to continuously evaluate their work and how it impacts existing knowledge.

Research Process

• The process is a systematic and organized approach
• It is used by researchers to explore questions, solve problems, and generate knowledge.

Steps of the Research Process

• Identify the problem by clearly defining the research question.
• Conduct a literature review to examine previous studies related to the topic.
• Formulate hypothesis from open ended questions where specifics are absent.
• Design by planning the approach of the investigation
• Collect data and information.
• Analyze data by processing the information collated
• Interpret results by assessment of the findings.
• Draw conclusions and make recommendations by including suggestions with the results

Scientific Method

• It is a systematic and rigorous process
• It is used to investigate phenomena, acquire insights, or correct/expand existing knowledge
• This is crucial for science and can be applied in various disciplines.

Stages of the Scientific Method

• Observation involves noting interesting phenomena, patterns, or anomalies in the natural world
• Questions are formulated based on observations.
• A specific question must be answered
• A hypothesis is creating a statement or assumption to answer the question.
• It has to be testable and falsifiable
• Experimentation involves testing the hypothesis through data collection under known conditions.
• Data analysis involves extracting data for support or refute a test.
• Conclusions are drawn from data analysis.
• A decision is made on whether to accept or reject the hypothesis
• Communication of results is essential with the scientific & public community
• Review and reflection of processes consider future studies.

Approaches and Models for Structuring an Investigation

• Leedy's Spiral guides the cyclical development of investigation projects.
• The investigative process structures a systematic approach to carry out a study.
• A scientific model represents and predicts complex phenomena.
• The scientific method validates hypotheses through a rigorous process
• Wallace's wheel evaluates and manages risks in investigation decisions

Homework Assignment

• Research the following topics:
  • Scientific Investigation
  • Background
  • Justification
  • Problem Statement
• The homework is worth 2 points
• Due by: 08/02/2025