Research Methods and Science Overview

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.

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.