, IRM1501 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER SEMESTER 2 - DUE DATE: 12 OCTOBER 2026
1. Distinction between Scientific and Non-Scientific Research
Scientific and non-scientific research differ in the way knowledge is obtained, tested and
presented. Scientific research follows a systematic and organised process to investigate a
specific problem or question. It involves identifying a research problem, collecting relevant
evidence, analysing the information and reaching conclusions based on the findings.1 The
researcher relies on evidence rather than personal opinions or assumptions.
Scientific research is also based on empirical evidence, objectivity and logical reasoning. The
information collected should be capable of being examined or tested, while the research
methods should be clearly explained. This makes it possible for the quality of the research to
be evaluated and, where appropriate, for other researchers to repeat the study.2 Scientific
research therefore aims to produce findings that are reliable, valid and supported by evidence.
Non-scientific research, in contrast, may rely on personal experience, intuition, beliefs,
opinions, traditions or assumptions rather than systematic investigation.3 For example, a
person may believe that a particular practice is effective because they personally experienced
a positive result. Although this experience may provide an interesting observation, it does not
necessarily prove that the same result will occur in other situations.
A further difference is the treatment of bias and verification. Scientific research attempts to
reduce personal bias by using established research methods and critically evaluating evidence.
Non-scientific approaches may be more influenced by the researcher's personal beliefs or
limited experiences, making their conclusions more difficult to verify.4 Scientific findings
can therefore provide a stronger basis for explaining a phenomenon because they are
supported by systematic evidence.
1
R Kumar, Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (5th edn, SAGE Publications 2019).
2
E Babbie, The Practice of Social Research (15th edn, Cengage Learning 2020).
3
N Walliman, Research Methods: The Basics (2nd edn, Routledge 2018).
4
A Bryman, Social Research Methods (5th edn, Oxford University Press 2016).
1. Distinction between Scientific and Non-Scientific Research
Scientific and non-scientific research differ in the way knowledge is obtained, tested and
presented. Scientific research follows a systematic and organised process to investigate a
specific problem or question. It involves identifying a research problem, collecting relevant
evidence, analysing the information and reaching conclusions based on the findings.1 The
researcher relies on evidence rather than personal opinions or assumptions.
Scientific research is also based on empirical evidence, objectivity and logical reasoning. The
information collected should be capable of being examined or tested, while the research
methods should be clearly explained. This makes it possible for the quality of the research to
be evaluated and, where appropriate, for other researchers to repeat the study.2 Scientific
research therefore aims to produce findings that are reliable, valid and supported by evidence.
Non-scientific research, in contrast, may rely on personal experience, intuition, beliefs,
opinions, traditions or assumptions rather than systematic investigation.3 For example, a
person may believe that a particular practice is effective because they personally experienced
a positive result. Although this experience may provide an interesting observation, it does not
necessarily prove that the same result will occur in other situations.
A further difference is the treatment of bias and verification. Scientific research attempts to
reduce personal bias by using established research methods and critically evaluating evidence.
Non-scientific approaches may be more influenced by the researcher's personal beliefs or
limited experiences, making their conclusions more difficult to verify.4 Scientific findings
can therefore provide a stronger basis for explaining a phenomenon because they are
supported by systematic evidence.
1
R Kumar, Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (5th edn, SAGE Publications 2019).
2
E Babbie, The Practice of Social Research (15th edn, Cengage Learning 2020).
3
N Walliman, Research Methods: The Basics (2nd edn, Routledge 2018).
4
A Bryman, Social Research Methods (5th edn, Oxford University Press 2016).
