Lecture 1 - Scientific Research and Philosophy of Science

Characteristics of research

Systematic

Logical

Empirical

Reductive

Replicable

Types of research

Exploratory

Descriptive

Explanatory

Predictive

Exploratory research

Used when there is little to no prior knowledge of a topic. To become familiar with basic facts, settings, and concerns.

Descriptive research

Provide a detailed, highly accurate picture. Locate new data that contradict past data; To categorise or classify or clarify a sequence of steps or stages; Report on the background or context of a situation

 

Predictive research

Forecasts future phenomena, base don findings suggested by explanatory research

Primary data research

Involves the collection and analysis of original data

Secondary data research

Involves the analysis of existing data e.g. census data

Confirmation bias

People look for evidence that confirms their belief

Problems of inductionism

Observations are subjective, not objective.

Sir Karl Poppers Falsifications

Theories must be exposed to refutation (not agreement. A scientist theory must be able to be refuted

Problems with sir Karl Poppers method

Limitations of observations (objective/subjective?)

The modern scientific method

1.         Define problem

2.         Read previous literature

3.         Define hypothesis (Null hypothesis “no difference” “no effect”)

4.         Test the theory (try to falsify null hypothesis)

5.         Discuss results in comparison to competing theories

6.         Conclude which theory is best/amend theory

Independent variable

Manipulated by the eperimenter (effect of)

Dependent variable

Measured (effect on)

Null hypothesis

No difference, no effect, no correlation

Confounding variables

Controlled by the experimenter, so their effect is minimised or removed