2022
IRM1501
Introduction To Research For Law
And Criminal Justice
MAY/JUNE 2022
PORTFOLIO EXAMINATION
CHRISTINA SHAAKUMENI
, QUESTION 1
What is scientific research? [10]
Scientific research can be defined as a systematic investigation of scientific theories
and certain propositions. Because scientific research is systematic, a specific
process or processes should be followed. 1
According to Erol (2017) scientific research is the objective, systematic, planned, and
multi-step process of using previously discovered facts to advance knowledge that
does not exist in the literature. It can be observational or experimental in terms of
data collection techniques, descriptive or analytical in terms of causality, and
prospective, retrospective, or cross-sectional in terms of time.
It is often difficult to provide a specific definition of the term "scientific research." 2
One wishes that by outlining several of the different perspectives on what "science"
really implies, the purpose of scientific research can become clear. The first point of
view is that science is always based on facts. 3 Such facts, such as principles or
values, can be observable (empirical) or non-observable (non-empirical). The
second school of thought holds that science is logical and objective. 4 In other words,
the facts that underpin science are the result of a rational process. The third point is
that science is motivated by a desire to provide certainty. 5
The fourth scientific viewpoint holds that the answers provided by science or through
scientific inquiry or investigation are always precise and measurable. 6
Examples of scientific research:
Fundamental or Basic Research
Applied Research
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
1
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, Introduction to research for law and criminal justice (University of
South Africa 2018).
2
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
3
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
4
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
5
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
6
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 9.
IRM1501
Introduction To Research For Law
And Criminal Justice
MAY/JUNE 2022
PORTFOLIO EXAMINATION
CHRISTINA SHAAKUMENI
, QUESTION 1
What is scientific research? [10]
Scientific research can be defined as a systematic investigation of scientific theories
and certain propositions. Because scientific research is systematic, a specific
process or processes should be followed. 1
According to Erol (2017) scientific research is the objective, systematic, planned, and
multi-step process of using previously discovered facts to advance knowledge that
does not exist in the literature. It can be observational or experimental in terms of
data collection techniques, descriptive or analytical in terms of causality, and
prospective, retrospective, or cross-sectional in terms of time.
It is often difficult to provide a specific definition of the term "scientific research." 2
One wishes that by outlining several of the different perspectives on what "science"
really implies, the purpose of scientific research can become clear. The first point of
view is that science is always based on facts. 3 Such facts, such as principles or
values, can be observable (empirical) or non-observable (non-empirical). The
second school of thought holds that science is logical and objective. 4 In other words,
the facts that underpin science are the result of a rational process. The third point is
that science is motivated by a desire to provide certainty. 5
The fourth scientific viewpoint holds that the answers provided by science or through
scientific inquiry or investigation are always precise and measurable. 6
Examples of scientific research:
Fundamental or Basic Research
Applied Research
Quantitative research
Qualitative research
1
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, Introduction to research for law and criminal justice (University of
South Africa 2018).
2
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
3
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
4
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
5
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 4.
6
Prof Swanepoel and N Mabeka, 9.
