Capstone Review PDF

Capstone Review Scientific Research Questions Empirical (observable, measurable, and testable) Follows the Scientific Method: 1. Problem identification 2. Hypothesis formulation 3. Data gathering 4. Data analysis 5. Drawing conclusions Scientific Research Questions Can be in...

Capstone Review Scientific Research Questions Empirical (observable, measurable, and testable) Follows the Scientific Method: 1. Problem identification 2. Hypothesis formulation 3. Data gathering 4. Data analysis 5. Drawing conclusions Scientific Research Questions Can be investigated through experiments, observations, or data analysis. Leads to objective answers backed by evidence Results are replicable Examples 1. What is the effect of temperature on the rate of a chemical reaction? 2. How does exercise impact heart rate? 3. What factors influence plant growth? 4. What is the pH level of different types of water? Non - Scientific Research Questions Cannot be measured or tested objectively Often involve moral, ethical, philosophical, or subjective judgments. Examples What is the meaning of life? Is chocolate better than vanilla? Should students wear uniforms in school? What is the best way to achieve happiness? The Scientific Method 1.Problem identification 2.Hypothesis formulation 3.Data gathering 4.Data analysis 5.Drawing conclusions Research Variables 1.Independent Variable – manipulated variable 2.Dependent Variable – measured variable (dependent on the independent variable) Example: How do different aerodynamic designs influence the fuel efficiency of airplanes? IV: different aerodynamic designs Hypothesis Testing Hypothesis – tentative answer to the research question based on existing body of knowledge Should be: Testable – empirical; can be measured Falsifiable – there is possibility of it being wrong Logical – consistent with facts Fundamental Traits of Experimental Research 1. Manipulation of Variables – independent variables can be manipulated 2. Control and Experimental Groups – presence of treatment (experimental) group and standard/comparison (control) group 3. Randomization – random assignment and selection to minimize bias 4. Replication – the experiment is replicable with similar results 5. Control of Extraneous Variables – external factors are minimized 6. Objective Measurement – systematic and standardized data collection 7. Causality – aims to establish cause-and-effect relationship 8. Hypothesis Testing – conducted to test a hypothesis Criteria in Selecting Materials to Review 1. Relevance Does the material directly relate to your research topic or question? Does it align with your study’s objectives? 2. Credibility of the Source Is the author an expert in the field? Is the material published in a reputable journal, book, or institution? Is it peer-reviewed or backed by a reliable organization? Criteria in Selecting Materials to Review 3. Accuracy and Reliability Are the facts, data, and arguments well-supported by evidence? Are sources properly cited and verifiable? Does it present balanced and objective information? 4. Timeliness Is the material up-to-date, or is it outdated? For rapidly evolving fields (e.g., medicine, technology), does it reflect the latest developments? Criteria in Selecting Materials to Review 5. Accuracy and Reliability Is the material free from personal, political, or commercial bias? Does it present multiple perspectives fairly? 6. Depth and Scope Does the material provide sufficient detail and analysis? Is it too basic or too advanced for your research needs? Criteria in Selecting Materials to Review 7. Accessibility Is the material available in full text, or is it behind a paywall? Can you verify the original source if it is cited elsewhere?