Research Methodology: Reasoning and Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the deductive method in scientific research?

To observe and describe natural phenomena

To generate new theories and hypotheses

To test existing theories and hypotheses (correct)

To develop a general framework for research

What is the first step in the inductive method?

Search for a pattern in what is observed

State a hypothesis

Make a generalization about what is occurring

Observe the world (correct)

Which scientific method is characterized as a 'bottom-up' approach?

Deductive method

Inductive method (correct)

Observational method

Experimental method

What is the final step in the deductive method?

Make a decision to accept or reject the hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the scientific method?

To test and refine hypotheses and theories Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the deductive and inductive methods?

The direction of reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of original knowledge according to rationalism?

Thought and reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of drawing a specific conclusion from a set of premises?

Deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of science?

Dynamic Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for reasoning from the particular to the general?

Inductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the phrase that describes the idea that scientific knowledge builds upon previous discoveries?

We stand on the shoulders of giants Signup and view all the answers

What is the term that describes the ongoing and continuous nature of scientific inquiry?

Never-ending Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of knowledge according to empiricism?

Experience Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to be cautious when relying on expert opinion?

Experts may have a vested interest in the issue Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the term 'empirical'?

Based on experience and experimentation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason people rely on expert opinion?

Because people don't have time to conduct research Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between experience and knowledge according to the text?

Experience is a source of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of critically evaluating expert opinion?

To identify the expert's vested interest Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scientific Methods

The deductive method involves 3 steps: stating a hypothesis, collecting data to test it, and making a decision to accept or reject it.
The deductive method is a "top-down" approach, useful for testing theories and hypotheses.
The inductive method also involves 3 steps: observing the world, searching for a pattern, and making a generalization.
The inductive method is a "bottom-up" approach, useful for generating theories and hypotheses.

Reasoning

Historically, reasoning was referred to as rationalism, where original knowledge comes from thought and reasoning.
There are two main forms of reasoning: deductive reasoning (drawing a specific conclusion from a set of premises) and inductive reasoning (reasoning from the particular to the general).

Dynamics of Science

Science has several distinguishing characteristics: it is progressive, rational, creative, dynamic, open, critical, and never-ending.
Science stands on the shoulders of giants, building upon previous knowledge.

Basic Assumptions of Science

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Sources of Knowledge

There are four sources of knowledge: experience, expert opinion, reasoning, and authority.
Experience involves knowledge coming from direct observation and experimentation.
Expert opinion involves relying on the knowledge of experts in a specific area, ensuring the expert is credible and unbiased.
Reasoning involves drawing conclusions from evidence and arguments.

Experience and Empiricism

Knowledge can come from experience, known as empiricism.
The term empirical means based on observation, experiment, or experience.

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Description

Test your understanding of research methodology with this quiz on reasoning and techniques, including deductive and inductive reasoning, and rationalism. Assess your knowledge of the different methods and approaches used in research. Evaluate your skills in analyzing and interpreting data.