Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry
Thomas J. Tophia Jr.
BSHS/435
May 26, 2016
Dr. Judith A. Geske
Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry
This paper will define and describe the scientific method and the steps in scientific inquiry. This paper will further explain what the steps are in the scientific method of inquiry or research process and why each of these steps must be included to support the scientific method. Further the paper will briefly discuss how the scientific method was applied in the article “Faculty Beliefs, Perceptions, and Level of Community Involvement in Their Research: A Survey at One Urban Academic Institution”. Lastly the paper will summarize how scientifically sound
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The human service manager who understands the importance of sound scientific research can use the data from research to assist them in providing adequate service that is evidenced based
References
Monette, D. R., Sullivan, T. J., & DeJong, C. R. (2011). Applied social research: A tool for the human services (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Goldberg-freeman, C., Kass, N., Gielen, A., Tracey, P., Bates-hopkins, B., & Farfel, M. (2010). Faculty beliefs, perceptions, and level of community involvement in their research: A survey at one urban academic institution. Journal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics, 5(4),
The development of the scientific method in the late 1500’s to the early 1600’s was a crucial stepping-stone in the science community. The scientific method is based upon observations, hypotheses and experimentation. The concept is rather simple, and can be applied to many areas of study. Once an observation is made, the observer can make a hypothesis as to why that phenomenon occurs and can then design an experiment to prove whether or not that hypotheses is valid. Although the scientific method has been extremely useful in the discovery of various things from usages of medications to studying animal behavior, there are still those who question the usage of this tool. These critics claim that since
The scientific method is a process used to prove or disprove a hypothesis through experimentation and analysis. The steps necessary include Asking a question and/or observation, Forming a hypothesis, Test the hypothesis, Analyze the results, Draw a conclusion, and Publish the findings.
To support the theory of continental drift is through topography, surveying the floors of oceans, charts of rock magnetism, and statistics on rock ages (Trefil & Hazen, 2010). At one time scientist believed that the deep ocean floors were flat; accumulating the sediment that progressively wore away from the prehistoric landmasses (Trefil & Hazen, 2010). However, they discovered steep-walled valleys and elevated highlands. This was evidences that just as the continents are transformed and are active, so to is the seafloor (Trefil & Hazen, 2010). The Mid- Atlantic Ridge, positioned in the central part of the Atlantic Ocean, is recorded to be the longest mountain range on this planet. Volcanoes, lava flow, and earthquakes are a source of
Within this assignment there will be a clear demonstration and understanding of the concept of research in relation to the acquisition of underpinning knowledge appropriate to my programme of study. I will also be undertaking a comparative analysis of the nature and validity of quantitative and qualitative research methods. I will also be demonstrating skills in critical analysis of methods of data collection and selection of appropriate methods to informing future working practice. I will also be analyse the ethical considerations in relation to the development and undertaking of research.
Primarily deductive process used to test pre-specified concepts, constructs, and hypotheses that make up a theory
The Scientific Method is the approach that scientists use to investigate some phenomena. It’s a standard technique to find cause and effect of a particular problem.
In making “distinctions between basic and applied research and between human service practice and policy more concrete, it is useful to identify five focal areas where research is applied in the human services: identify the problem, research design development, collect data, analyze the data, and public dissemination” (Monette, Sullivan, & DeJong, 2011 p.4).
This group was sponsored by the Arkansas State University (ASU) Social Work department. ASU Masters Social Work department mission statement is as follows;
This graph provided from Laureate Education depicts overlap of these three factors lets us know that the research is valued and merited, when there is no overlap, this is where consideration and hesitation of the research should be considered (Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). According to Norcross, J., Hogan, T., & Koocher, G, professionals and practitioners are having to base their practices which are evidenced based at an increasing rate due to the strong implications that Evidence-based practices have had on the field in relation to practice, training, and policy (Norcross, J., Hogan, T., & Koocher, G. 2008).
Define and explain research and define and explain the scientific method (include an explanation of all five steps). Proper
The scientific method is a process for experimentation used to explore observations and answer questions. It is used unconsciously by many on a daily basis and understanding how to apply the method can be valuable in making decisions and solving problems. For this assignment, I have chosen to use the scientific method to demonstrate how to organize my cluttered apartment to fit two storage units thus eliminating two bills and lowering my debt.
The Scientific Method is the standardized procedure that scientists are supposed to follow when conducting experiments, in order to try to construct a reliable, consistent, and non-arbitrary representation of our surroundings. To follow the Scientific Method is to stick very tightly to a order of experimentation. First, the scientist must observe the phenomenon of interest. Next, the scientist must propose a hypothesis, or idea in which the experiments will be based around. Then, through repeated experimentation, the hypothesis can either be proven false or become a theory. If the hypothesis is proven to be false, the scientist must reformulate his or her ideas and come up with another hypothesis, and the experimentation begins again. This
The role of research is important for many reasons especially in the field of clinical social work. Treatment program implementation and subsequent improvements are often from the results of new research of policies and approaches. It also serves as an evaluative gauge for effectiveness for programs being utilized and
This piece of work will be exploring the different forms of research and their significance in the evidence-based practice.
Throughout this course I have learned many things about research at an introductory level. Research is a critical part of all of our lives in many ways. God blesses each of us with a degree of common sense and we all learn from observing others even as babies, we learned behaviors and skills by observing our parents. Walking through experiences throughout life teach us a lot we need to know as well but sometimes we have to take a better approach when we need to learn about certain things. Many of us know that what works in some situations or with certain individuals doesn’t always work or is the safest option for another situation. Controlled and precisely organized study allows scientists to compare and examine contrasting methods and concepts, also helps them to discover various approaches and be able to learn from individual’s behaviors and experiences. I will act as the case study throughout this paper in order to observe what I have learned about.