Types of Research Studies, Scientific & non-Scientific methods

Scientific research is a investigating and acquiring or expanding our understanding whereas nonscientific research is acquiring knowledge and truths about the world using techniques that do not follow the scientific method.

Scientific research is a logically stepped process used for investigating and acquiring or expanding our understanding. The findings of scientific research can be reproduced and demonstrated to be consistent. While in non scientific research, the research it’s not logically stepped process that used for investigating and acquiring or expanding our understanding

Scientific research acquiring knowledge and truths about the data or information using techniques that follow the scientific methods such as identification of a problem, formulation of statement of a problem, formulation of hypothesis, data analysis data recording, presentation and interpretation, testing hypothesis and recommendation and conclusion. while Non scientific acquiring knowledge and truths about the world using techniques without follow the scientific method.

Scientific research is a systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity. This research provides scientific information and theories for the explanation of the nature and the properties of the world. It makes practical applications possible. While non scientific research does not follow systematic way of gathering data and harnessing curiosity

Scientific research is a systematic way of analyzing and interpreting new or existing material through experimentation and observation, While Non scientific research is based upon investigation of natural phenomenon without systematic

In general. Scientific research and non scientific research, both are used in collection of data, information and knowledge that can be added to the existing one. Can be used to solve different disputes such as political conflict economic issues and social conflict.

Basic Postulates of Scientific Method

The scientific method is, thus, based on certain basic postulates which can be stated as under:

(i) It relies on empirical evidence

(ii) It utilizes relevant concepts

(iii) It is committed to only objective considerations

(iv) It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only adequate and correct statements about population objects

(v) It results into probabilistic predictions

(vi) Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use in testing the conclusions through replication

(vii) It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories.

Thus, “the scientific method encourages a rigorous, impersonal mode of procedure dictated by the demands of logic and objective procedure.” Accordingly, scientific method implies an objective, logical and systematic method, i.e., a method free from personal bias or prejudice, a method to ascertain demonstrable qualities of a phenomenon capable of being verified, a method wherein the researcher is guided by the rules of logical reasoning, a method wherein the investigation proceeds inane orderly manner and a method that implies internal consistency.

Five (5) Major Characteristics of the Scientific Method

The scientific method is the system used by scientists to explore data, generate and test hypotheses, develop new theories and confirm or reject earlier results. Although the exact methods used in the different sciences vary (for example, physicists and psychologists work in very different ways), they share some fundamental attributes that may be called characteristics of the scientific method.

1. Empirical Observation

The scientific method is empirical. That is, it relies on direct observation of the world, and disdains hypotheses that run counter to observable fact. This contrasts with methods that rely on pure reason (including that proposed by Plato) and with methods that rely on emotional or other subjective factors.

2. Replicable Experiments

Scientific experiments are replicable. That is, if another person duplicates the experiment, he or she will get the same results. Scientists are supposed to publish enough of their method so that another person, with appropriate training, could replicate the results. This contrasts with methods that rely on experiences that are unique to a particular individual or a small group of individuals.

3. Provisional Results

Results obtained through the scientific method are provisional; they are (or ought to be) open to question and debate. If new data arise that contradict a theory, that theory must be modified. For example, the phlogiston theory of fire and combustion was rejected when evidence against it arose.

4. Objective Approach

The scientific method is objective. It relies on facts and on the world as it is, rather than on beliefs, wishes or desires. Scientists attempt (with varying degrees of success) to remove their biases when making observations.

5. Systematic Observation

Strictly speaking, the scientific method is systematic; that is, it relies on carefully planned studies rather than on random or haphazard observation. Nevertheless, science can begin from some random observation. Isaac Asimov said that the most exciting phrase to hear in science is not “Eureka!” but “That’s funny.” After the scientist notices something funny, he or she proceeds to investigate it systematically.