Non-Scientific vs Scientific Knowledge Methods

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Questions and Answers

Which method of acquiring knowledge relies on the wisdom of prominent individuals?

Intuitive Method

Empirical Method

Method of Authority (correct)

Rationalistic Method

What distinguishes the empirical method from the rationalistic method?

Empirical method is derived from traditions, while rationalistic focuses on human intuition.

Empirical method starts from axioms, while rationalistic method uses observation.

Empirical method relies on observation, while rationalistic method is based on logical reasoning. (correct)

Empirical method is based on abstract theories, while rationalistic is evidence-based.

Which of the following methods emphasizes knowledge gained from feelings or instincts?

Opinion of Peers

Mystical Method

Intuitive Method (correct)

Method of Authority

What do scientific methods assume about natural and social events?

They follow established laws and order. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of scientific research emphasizes that each step is grounded in observation?

Empirical Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes scientific statements from common-sense statements?

Scientific statements rely on systematic investigation. Signup and view all the answers

Which non-scientific method is characterized by the transmission of knowledge through generations?

Tradition Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a method of acquiring knowledge?

Psychological Analysis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of scientific observation?

Subjective interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the mystical method of acquiring knowledge?

Involves supernatural beliefs and truth transmission. Signup and view all the answers

In scientific research, why is it important for observations to be replicable?

To allow for independent conclusions by anyone in similar conditions. Signup and view all the answers

How do natural sciences differ from social sciences?

Natural sciences are influenced by production and commerce needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which method involves forming beliefs based on consensus from friends and colleagues?

Opinion of Peers Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for scientific research to be reductive?

It simplifies complex realities to identify main relationships. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element of systematic scientific observation?

Following a logical order. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about scientific inquiry is accurate?

Scientific inquiry must adhere to specific rules for it to be considered valid evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of exploratory research?

To gain new insight into a relatively unknown research area Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research focuses on developing new hypotheses?

Explanatory research Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes correlational research?

It detects the existence of a relationship between variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the goal of descriptive research?

To describe existing phenomena as accurately as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that results in social sciences are often presented as probability statements?

Complexity of social reality Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes applied research from basic research?

Applied research has clear practical implications. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research method is typically associated with qualitative research?

Interviews Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of quantitative research?

It relies on measurement to compare and analyze variables. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes qualitative research?

It uses descriptions and qualitative words. Signup and view all the answers

According to Kerlinger's definition, what is a critical aspect of scientific research?

It should be systematically and controlled. Signup and view all the answers

Developmental research aims to achieve which of the following?

Create new policies or programs Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is NOT a goal of exploratory research?

To provide an in-depth description of a phenomenon Signup and view all the answers

Why might rigid scientific methods fail when studying social phenomena?

Social phenomena are inherently fluid and dynamic. Signup and view all the answers

What does the focus on methodology in classifying research studies primarily involve?

Identifying the techniques and processes used for investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines empirical research according to Kerlinger?

It requires testing beliefs against objective reality. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the difference between natural sciences and social sciences?

Social sciences require adjustments to natural science methods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Non-Scientific Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Method of Authority: Relies on the knowledge of recognized authorities like parents, department heads, or elders. Their knowledge is accepted as absolute.
Mystical Method: Knowledge transmitted by individuals claiming supernatural connections, such as traditional healers or prophets.
Rationalistic Method: Relies on human reasoning to discover laws through intellectual processes. Knowledge is based on correct reasoning, exemplified by mathematics.
Opinion of Peers: Based on the knowledge and opinions shared among friends and colleagues.
Tradition: Beliefs passed down from one generation to the next.
Empirical Method: Emphasizes the objectivity of observation. Knowledge is grounded in observed facts.
Intuitive Method: Making judgments based on what feels right.

Scientific Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Existence of Natural and Social Laws: Assumes order and regularity in natural and social events, enabling scientific explanations and predictions.
Laws Can be Discovered by Human Beings: Despite being part of nature, humans can discover these laws, such as those governing intelligence in psychology.
Natural Phenomena Have Natural Causes: Rejects supernatural explanations for natural events.
Knowledge and Truth are Founded on Evidence: Scientific claims must be supported by evidence. There are specific rules for what constitutes evidence.
Scientific Observation is Systematic: Observations are conducted systematically by considering all possibilities logically.
Scientific Statements Must Be Distinguished from Common-Sense Statements: Common sense often lacks systematic investigation and can lead to contradictory statements.
Scientific Observation is Objective: Observations are independent of the researcher's subjective opinions and can be replicated by any observer.

Characteristics of Scientific Research

Empirical: Each step is based on observation.
Systematic: A logical order is followed to describe, explain, and predict phenomena.
Replicable and Transmittable: The objective nature of observations allows anyone in the same circumstances to replicate the research and communicate their findings.
Reductive: Simplifying the complexity of reality to grasp key relationships and omit unnecessary details.

Natural Sciences: Focus on the properties and laws of natural phenomena. Development is often driven by production, commerce, and industry.
Social Sciences: Investigate the properties and laws of social phenomena. Development arises from the need to manage and control social affairs.
Uncontrolled Factors in Social Sciences: Due to the complexity of social reality, results are often expressed as probabilities. Natural sciences, on the other hand, can often predict with certainty.

Defining Research

Scientific Research: A systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theory, hypotheses, and the presumed relationships among phenomena.
Research: The process using scientific methods to expand knowledge within a particular field of study.

Classifying Research

Reason for Conducting Research:
- Applied Research: Addresses a current problem requiring timely solutions.
- Basic Research: Pure or fundamental research with no immediate practical applications beyond contributing to a particular field of intellectual inquiry.
Research Goals/Objectives:
- Exploratory Research: Exploring a relatively unknown research area to gain insights and determine priorities for future research.
- Explanatory Research: Explaining an observed phenomenon in terms of its causes.
- Descriptive Research: Accurately describing existing phenomena, such as individuals, situations, groups, or interactions.
- Correlational Research: Identifying relationships between variables.
- Developmental Research: Creating new projects, policies, or programs.
Methodology:
- Quantitative Research: Uses measurement to compare and analyze different variables.
- Qualitative Research: Employs descriptions and qualifying words to record aspects of the world.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research: Examples of data-gathering methods: Questionnaires.
Qualitative Research: Uses methods such as interviews.

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Description

Explore the various methods of acquiring knowledge, distinguishing between non-scientific approaches like authority and tradition, and scientific methods grounded in observation and reasoning. This quiz delves into the characteristics and implications of each method. Test your understanding of how knowledge is formed and validated in different contexts.