Research Methods and Science Overview

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Questions and Answers

What best describes the process of research?

A systematic investigative process to increase current knowledge. (correct)

A random and non-systematic search for information.

An attempt to gather existing facts without any method.

An informal inquiry made without clear objectives.

Which of the following is considered an incorrect usage of the term 'research'?

Collecting information without a clear purpose. (correct)

Organizing data to address a specific question.

Interpreting facts to draw conclusions.

Conducting experiments to test a hypothesis.

Why is logic important in science?

It enables creative thinking in research.

It replaces empirical data in scientific studies.

It serves as the foundation for understanding phenomena. (correct)

It is merely an abstract concept with no practical application.

What distinguishes academic/scientific research from simple data searching?

The reliance on empirical data and systematic organization. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary goals of research?

To verify or generate theories based on facts. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about search is true?

Search typically lacks a systematic and organized structure. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does not relate to the definition of research?

Searching for existing information without context. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of systems in research?

To ensure a logical flow of information and findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of empiricism?

Emphasizing the importance of sensory experience Signup and view all the answers

How does rationalism differ from empiricism in knowledge acquisition?

It dismisses sensory experiences as a valid source of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What role does intuition play in knowledge acquisition?

It provides knowledge through a gut feeling or hunch Signup and view all the answers

What does acquiring knowledge through authority involve?

Accepting information because it comes from a trusted source Signup and view all the answers

Which two pillars form the foundation of the scientific method?

Empiricism and rationalism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the scientific method?

A circular process always leading to more questions Signup and view all the answers

What was Galileo Galilei known for in relation to the scientific method?

Making improvements to the telescope Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of experimentation within the scientific method?

To test hypotheses under controlled conditions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a literature survey?

To gather various sources and insights relevant to the research problem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of hypothesis testing in research?

To determine if the data supports the hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following methods is NOT suggested for developing a working hypothesis?

Asking non-experts for general opinions Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a good working hypothesis?

It is specific and limited to the research at hand Signup and view all the answers

Which statistical tests are commonly used for hypothesis testing?

Chi square test, t-test, and F-test Signup and view all the answers

What does a research design primarily aim to do?

Provide relevant evidence efficiently Signup and view all the answers

What can result from a hypothesis being tested and repeatedly upheld?

A new theory may be developed. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential to consider while preparing a research report?

Objective style and simple language Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a source mentioned for conducting an extensive literature survey?

Public opinion polls Signup and view all the answers

What role does a working hypothesis play in research?

It guides the researcher and focuses the area of investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called when a researcher seeks to explain findings without a pre-existing hypothesis?

Interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What type of research designs are typically mentioned?

Experimental and non-experimental Signup and view all the answers

How can discussions with colleagues contribute to the development of a working hypothesis?

By gathering insights about the problem and objectives Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of applied research?

Solving practical problems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes basic research?

It seeks to broaden existing scientific knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a step in the process of scientific research?

Designing a commercial product Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following studies is an example of basic research?

A study researching cancer causative factors. Signup and view all the answers

Galileo's contribution to science primarily involved what aspect?

Pioneering the scientific method and observations Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes applied research from basic research?

Applied research addresses specific real-world problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is part of the scientific research process?

Formulating a research hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

Why is basic research important in science?

It expands understanding of scientific theories. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Methods Overview

Research is a systematic investigation aimed at increasing or revising current knowledge through the discovery of new facts.
Differentiates from search, which is a non-systematic process of seeking information.
Misuse of "research" includes merely collecting facts without purpose or reassembling information without interpretation.

What is Science?

Derives from the Latin word "Scientia," meaning knowledge.
A systematic knowledge-base capable of predicting outcomes.
Foundation of science is built on logic for understanding phenomena.

Logic's Role in Science

Logic enables knowledge acquisition and is essential for scientific inquiry.
It helps in interpreting events, relationships, and causes systematically.

Research Process

Effective research is circular, leads to new questions, and requires a structured approach.
Empiricism emphasizes acquiring knowledge through sensory experience and observation.
Rationalism focuses on reason and logic as pathways to knowledge, independent of empirical data.

Types of Knowledge Acquisition

Intuition: Knowledge gained through gut feelings and subconscious insights.
Authority: Information accepted from trusted experts without independent verification.

Scientific Method

Founded on the dual principles of empirical observation and rational deduction.
Pioneered by Galileo Galilei, known for his contributions to the scientific method and the development of the telescope.

Research Skills Importance

Essential for forming hypotheses, conducting literature reviews, planning investigations, analyzing results, and reporting findings.

Basic vs. Applied Research

Basic Research: Expands existing knowledge; driven by curiosity; no immediate commercial value.
Applied Research: Aims to solve practical problems; often utilized in industry and government to develop technologies or processes.

Examples of Research Types

Basic Research Examples: Studies on cancer causation, rainfall patterns, nutritional impacts of diets, palm tree growth, and alcohol's effects on the brain.
Applied Research Examples: Strategies to enhance teenage literacy, marketing to women, reducing social media fraud, boosting college attendance among high school graduates, improving tire longevity.

Literature Survey as Part of Research

Conduct extensive literature surveys using journals, bibliographies, and databases like Google Scholar.
Identify past studies related to the current research topic for insights and methodologies.

Development of Working Hypothesis

A working hypothesis is an initial assumption guiding research; should be specific and pertinent.
Formulated through discussions, data examination, literature review, and exploratory investigations.

Research Design Preparation

Research design is a structured plan for answering research questions using minimum resources.
Types of designs include experimental and non-experimental approaches.

Hypothesis Testing and Generalization

Involves analyzing data to confirm or reject the hypothesis using statistical tests (e.g., Chi-square, t-test).
Successful hypotheses may lead to generalizations and theory formation.

Report Preparation

Critical at the conclusion of the research; should be objective and clear.
Use charts and illustrations to enhance clarity where necessary.

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Description

Explore the essential components of research methods and their connection to scientific inquiry. This quiz covers the differences between research and search, the role of logic in science, and the structured process of effective research. Gain a deeper understanding of how knowledge is acquired and interpreted in various fields.