BDO 373
Study Unit 1- ch3 Introduction to the scientific method
Diff ways of knowing: Example: Advantage: Disadvantage:
Scientific method
→ Gathering info & gaining knowledge on specific topic
Scientific method is better because:
• It is a systematic and controlled process
• Tests ideas against other alternatives
• There is a clear process of investigation
If science is the best way of knowing, why not always use it?
▪ May be costly ito time and resources
▪ Only empirical questions can be answered
▪ Certain questions are NOT answerable through scientific inquiry for instance value questions
such as: Should the death penalty be used as punishment or not?
The scientific model/ process:
The conclusions are published
Only questions answered through empirical
in “peer reviewed” journals and
observations can be used in this process,
the findings are scrutinized
Process of observation is conducted through a
carefully planned process through which observations
are made, recorded and analysed.
An open process During this process, possible alternative explanations
A closed process-methodology
©Megan Meiring are identified, and controlled for as far as possible
, Logical process:
Problem
Literature review
Data collection Gather
evidence
Data analysis & interpretation
Expand knowledge
Draw
conclusion
Gain new insights
Find truth
Information gathering is not scientific research
Google search
Randomly asking opinions
Discussion with fellow student
Random reading
Knowledge carried over from generations
Opinions form experts
Underlying principles of the scientific process
▪ Starts with a question or a problem that you want to solve
▪ Ends with a conclusion/answer to the research question
▪ Entire process is based on observable facts called data
▪ The process is logical
▪ The process is orderly
▪ It is guided by a reasonable guess (also called hypothesis in quantitative research)
▪ The conclusion is based on the data only
The basic research process:
©Megan Meiring
Study Unit 1- ch3 Introduction to the scientific method
Diff ways of knowing: Example: Advantage: Disadvantage:
Scientific method
→ Gathering info & gaining knowledge on specific topic
Scientific method is better because:
• It is a systematic and controlled process
• Tests ideas against other alternatives
• There is a clear process of investigation
If science is the best way of knowing, why not always use it?
▪ May be costly ito time and resources
▪ Only empirical questions can be answered
▪ Certain questions are NOT answerable through scientific inquiry for instance value questions
such as: Should the death penalty be used as punishment or not?
The scientific model/ process:
The conclusions are published
Only questions answered through empirical
in “peer reviewed” journals and
observations can be used in this process,
the findings are scrutinized
Process of observation is conducted through a
carefully planned process through which observations
are made, recorded and analysed.
An open process During this process, possible alternative explanations
A closed process-methodology
©Megan Meiring are identified, and controlled for as far as possible
, Logical process:
Problem
Literature review
Data collection Gather
evidence
Data analysis & interpretation
Expand knowledge
Draw
conclusion
Gain new insights
Find truth
Information gathering is not scientific research
Google search
Randomly asking opinions
Discussion with fellow student
Random reading
Knowledge carried over from generations
Opinions form experts
Underlying principles of the scientific process
▪ Starts with a question or a problem that you want to solve
▪ Ends with a conclusion/answer to the research question
▪ Entire process is based on observable facts called data
▪ The process is logical
▪ The process is orderly
▪ It is guided by a reasonable guess (also called hypothesis in quantitative research)
▪ The conclusion is based on the data only
The basic research process:
©Megan Meiring
