1. RESEARCH METHODS Lecture 2
STA630 Lecture 2
RESEARCH METHODS Lecture 2

2. SCIENTIFIC METHOD

3. Every human knowledge is not science

4. Science is a method
A procedure to produce knowledge i.e. discovering uniformities/ principles, laws in this universe.

5. Process of “sensory experiences”
Observation  Repetition  Re-observation.
By repeating the observation researchers want to be definite/positive.
This approach is called positivism

6. Results are organized, systematized, and made part of the body of knowledge.

7. Special Features of Scientific Method

8. Empirical Observable phenomenon

9. Verifiable Use senses to confirm or refute the observation
Verifiable Use senses to confirm or refute the observation. “Sensory experiences.” Intuitions and revelations are out. Replicability needed.

10. Cummulative Knowledge grows. Need not start from scratch.

11. Deterministic Explains why things happen. Parsimony  Minimum No
Deterministic Explains why things happen? Parsimony  Minimum No. of variables that explain variance.

12. 5. Ethical and ideological neutrality Value free. Objectivity
5. Ethical and ideological neutrality Value free. Objectivity. Is it possible?

13. 6. Statistical generalization Subjecting information to statistical analysis. (Statistics is a device for comparing what is observed and what is logically expected).

14. Rationalism Employ rigorous rules of logic. Argumentation.

15. All features are interrelated
All features are interrelated. Scientists not necessarily adhere to all these characteristics.

16. Two power bases of knowledge
Empiricism: Sensory experience  positivism.
Rationalism: Explanation for regularity. Consequential arguments. Logical.

17. Any body following the said procedure of research is doing scientific research.

18. Logical positivism i.e. theory + observation + statistics

19. RESEARCH METHODS Lecture 2