1. Scientific Investigation
Chapter 2
Scientific Investigation
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 1

2. Scientific Research Recall…..
Research: an organized, systematic, data-based, critical, objective, scientific inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the purpose of finding answers or solutions to it.
Decisions based on results of well done scientific study tend to yield the desired results:
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

3. Scientific Research 1-It follows a step by step process.
2- Scientific research focuses on: Solving problems-pursuing a method (logical, organized, rigorous).
3- Scientific research focuses on: identifying the problems, gathering data, analyzing them, and drawing valid conclusion.
4- Thus…Scientific research is not based on hunches, experiences and intuition.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

4. Scientific Research
Do organization always follow the rigorous step by step process?
Many implemented plans fail because not enough research has preceded their formulation.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

5. Hallmarks of Scientific Research:
Hallmarks or main distinguishing characteristics of scientific research:
Purposiveness
Rigor
Testability
Replicability
Precision and Confidence
Objectivity
Generalizability
Parsimony
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

6. Hallmarks of Scientific Research:
Let’s apply an example into the 8 hallmarks:
“ the manager is interested in investigating how employees’ commitments to the company(organization) can be increased.”
Purposiveness:
Rigor:
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

7. Hallmarks of Scientific Research:
-Testability:
Replicability:
Precision and Confidence :
Objectivity:
Generalizability:
Parsimony:
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

8. Hypothetico-Deductive Research
The Seven-Step Process in the Hypothetico-Deductive Method
Identify a broad problem area
Define the problem statement ( based on theory)
Theory formulation
Develop hypotheses(the hypothesis that can be tested to determine if the statement would be supported)
Data collection:
Data analysis:
Interpretation of data:
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

9. Hypothetico-Deductive Research
Example: The quality of education in Kuwait.
Identify a broad problem area:
Define the problem statement ( based on theory):
Theory formulation:
Develop hypotheses :
Data collection:
Data analysis:
Interpretation of data:
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

10. Hypothetico-Deductive Research
Think of your topic………Then follow the Seven-Step Process in the Hypothetico-Deductive Method
Identify a broad problem area:
Define the problem statement ( based on theory):
Theory formulation:
Develop hypotheses :
Data collection:
Data analysis:
Interpretation of data:
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

11. Deduction and Induction
Deductive reasoning: application of a general theory to a specific case.
Hypothesis testing
Inductive reasoning: a process where we observe specific phenomena and on this basis arrive at general conclusions.
Counting white swans
Both inductive and deductive processes are often used in research.
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.