Define:
- Scientific enquiry
- Basic Research
- Applied Research
- Scientific enquiry
Process by which new knowledge is generated and theories are validated - Basic Research
Creation of new ways of seeing the world (search for truth and development of theory) - Applied Research
Real-world application of scientific models
What are some of the characteristics of scientific research?
Reasonable not judgmental.
Skeptical not Nieve.
Objective not subjective.
Critical thinking means to assess both positives and negatives and evaluate your own thinking.
Empirical, rational, testable/falsifiable, parsimonious (Occam’s razor), general, tentative, rigorously evaluated.
What is the process of the scientific method?
Describe, explain, predict, apply
- Start with observation and measurement
- Formulation of a tentative explanation (hypothesis)
- Further observation and experimentation
- Refining and retesting.
Inductive vs deductive reasoning?
Inductive:
Begins with an observation, supports it with patterns then arrives at a hypothesis or theory - favours Qualitative research
Deductive:
Begins with a theory, supports with observations and arrives at a confirmation - Favours Quantitative research
Induction –> Theory –> deductive –> data pool –> Inductive.
What is a theory vs a hypothesis?
Theory:
-Ordered and structured statements about the relationship between phenomena
-Makes sense, is simple, testable / falsifiable, make real world predictions
Hypothesis:
-A specific prediction
-Tentative explanation of an observation that can be tested. Starting point for further research.
What are the essentials of research?
Frame a research problem,
Determine supporting knowledge,
Identify a theory base,
Develop a scientific question
Select a design strategy
Set Study bounders
Father data/information,
Analyse information and draw conclusions
Report and disseminate conclusions.
