Concept of Scientific Merit Introduction As future scholars who are working on our PhD, we tend to hear a lot about Scientific Merit. But, that same old question might pop in our mines, which is who really cares? We should, especially if we expect the IRB to approve our research proposal. Therefore, within this paper, we will discuss scientific merits, explain the dimensions of scientific merit, discuss the aspects of the study, we chose for the Scientific Merit, and choose an area of scientific merit that we would improve. Scientific merit Scientific merit is considered as a way to examine if our research study represents good science. Therefore, we will need to make sure that any research we are working on, clearly states the research questions and its overall objectives. The research should also include the contextual data that will also have peer-reviewed literature to support why the research is needed. We also should make sure that if human beings are being used as participants, that their privacy and safety will be respected, and if there is any possibility of harm, no matter how small it is, and the benefit and risks whether indirect or direct for the partakers in the study needs to be very clear in the research proposal. According to Gonzales (2013, para. 2, p. 1), the data collection, recruitment, and analysis should align with the research questions, as well as the monitoring, safe storage, and how the data will be destroyed should also be specified. Three
Frankenstein, written by Mary Shelley, explores the theme of the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery through the main characters; Victor Frankenstein, the Creature and Robert Walton. This pursuit of knowledge drives the plot of the novel, leading Victor to create the Creature in his attempt to break down the mortal barriers that surround him and unlock the secret of life. Robert Walton’s quest for discovery leads him to the North Pole, far beyond the reach of Humans at that time. Ultimately Victor’s thirst for knowledge and scientific discovery did him more harm than good with Victor’s hatred of his creation driving him to death. Frankenstein’s message to the modern is age is simply put as “humans should not meddle in the business of the gods”. Mary Shelley’s is using Frankenstein and the actions of the characters in the novel to warn us that although we have the technology to for example, create a human being, some things are better left to nature. In our quest for knowledge we can do ourselves more harm than good. Through her novel Shelley tells us that on our path of scientific discovery there are some trails better left unexplored.
We discover scientific knowledge in various natural science fields such as biology or chemistry. A common misconception about the natural sciences is that both the knowledge they reveal to us and the scientific method used in discovering this are purely analytical. This means that these sciences are rigid in facts and do not contain any subjectivity or creativity. However, the scientific method is not a rigid system of pursuing measurable facts. It contains fallacies and biases. In testing hypotheses, performing observations, or reasoning inductively, science is undoubtedly flawed and erroneous. Paradigms, commonly seen as infallible and containing rather insignificant errors, contribute to many of the errors involved in scientific
To ensure the data I find is suitable for the purpose of the research, I should agree guidelines for exactly what is needed and in what format with my manager or whoever set the task.
Always make sure that the data you collect serves the purpose of the report you are going to prepare
The next step is to form a testable hypothesis, or educated guess. A hypothesis must phrased in a way that in which another person can test the same hypothesis to verify or discredit it. After the hypothesis is formed, the experimenter must choose and appropriate research study. For example, if a scientist want to do a study about the behaviors of a particular person, like in the case Phineas Gage and the psychological affects of the iron rod that shot through his head, than the scientist may want to conduct a case study. Once the research method is established and the study has been planned out, then it is time to conduct the experiment and collect the data. The final step is to analyze the data to see if it supports or rejects the hypothesis. If the results do not support the hypothesis, then one should revise their hypothesis. If the results do support the hypothesis, then the study should be replicated to validate this study. Sharing the results of the experiment with other members of the scientific community is also an important part is advancing one’s understanding of the particular
The goal of a research study is to generate new knowledge, which can then be shared within the scientific community. Unlike QI and EBP, research is conducted using a systematic process known as the scientific method. The scientific method is used to ensure results from a study are valid and reliable (Potter & Perry, 2012, p. 57). The research process is rigorous and studies must follow strict guidelines and be approved by the IRB. Data collection for research projects is more time intensive and is not rapid cycle like QI. In addition, funding for research projects typically comes from an external source such as a grant (Shirey et al.,
The main purpose of the most researchers in conducting a research study is to achieve a statistically significant result. When we say statistically significant, it means that the result in a research study was not attributed to chance. In addition, it also means
Data collection methods- the researcher needs to pick how the information for this subject can be collected (observation, questionnaires, interviews) and so forth. Analysis and presentation of findings- the researcher needs to use reports and other information gathering it into one to present the hypothesis. Conclusion- what does the studies say about this topic, this is based on all the information that was gathered together to get the correct conclusion.
The topic chosen for research will indicate the method to be used e.g. voting would involve the
Tool validity is an extremely important aspect when gathering information used in research. There are many different tools that can be used depending on what is being researched. “Trustworthiness of the data can only be as good as the instruments or tests used to collect the data” (Boswell & Cannon, 2014). Many healthcare providers use research to increase their knowledge to help make decisions for changes in policy and procedures and in ways to care for patients.
The results from a research should improve the quality of life of people and cause no harm or add to their existing health problems. Researches should be done in a manner whereby participants are aware of the risks involved and benefits of the study in order to make informed decision. According to Nieswiadomy (2011), when describing the benefits of the study to the participants, the investigator should describe the benefits applicable to people involved in the study and as well as how the results could benefit others.
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.
Testability: Scientific research should test logically developed hypotheses to see whether or not the data supports the hypothesis that are developed after
Research is an on-going process in which a scholar contributes his part through an adopted methodology and adds new knowledge to the pool of existing information. Keeping in view his constraints, the limitations of study are defined which at later stages, become the hypothesis for new researchers.
Why do young bright minds of India want to take up science or research as a promising career path in the first place? Doesn’t it feel like a risk? What career opportunities does one have after getting a PhD? These questions are bugging me quite a lot these days. For most of us, born and brought up in middle class urban society are taught right from the start to work hard and be well educated enough to secure a good job. Seemingly it is the gateway to lead a comfortable life. I think in India it is the most important thing in life. Getting a decent job. It’s the only thing that matters. No matter how creative you are and harbor any kind of alternate ambitions otherwise it becomes secondary after a point. So growing up, the thought of pursuing science and research could only be such a far-fetched dream for many of us I guess.