Research methods (non scientific methods and the scientifc method)

Pseudoscience

Set of ideas based on non-scientific theories, faith, and beliefs.

Rational Method (Rationalism)

Method that involves seeking answers by the use of logical reasoning.

Empirical Method (Empiricism)

Method using observation and direct sensory experience to acquire knowledge.

Method of Tenacity

Method in which information is accepted because it has always been believed.

Method of Intuition

Method in which information is accepted on the basis of a hunch.

Method of Authority

Method in which a person relies on information or answers from experts.

Method of Faith

Similar to the method of authority, where people have unquestioning trust in an authority figure.

Induction

Use of small sets of observations to form general statements about larger sets.

Deduction

Use of a general statement as the basis for reaching a conclusion about specific examples.

Hypothesis

A tentative statement describing the relationship between variables.

Scientific Method

A method of acquiring knowledge through the formation and testing of hypotheses.

Qualitative Research

Scientific study based on observations summarized and interpreted in a narrative report.

Quantitative Research

Scientific study based on measuring variables numerically and subjecting them to statistical analyses.

Premise Statement

Sentence used in logical reasoning that describes facts or assumptions.

Argument

A set of premise statements logically combined to yield a conclusion.

Replication

Repetition of a research study using the same basic procedures as the original study.

Scientific Method Steps

Observe phenomena, form hypothesis, generate testable prediction, evaluate prediction through observation, and refine hypothesis based on observations.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or intervention.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment, used for comparison.

Variable

Any factor that can change in an experiment, affecting the results.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment, affected by the independent variable.

Double-Blind Study

A study design in which neither the participants nor the researchers know who receives the treatment or placebo.

Correlation

A relationship between two variables where one variable's change is associated with the change in another variable.

Causation

The relation between cause and effect, indicating that one event is the result of the occurrence of another event.

Sample

A subset of a population used for collecting data.

Population

The entire group from which a sample is drawn for a study.

Example of Method of Tenacity

Accepting information as true because it has always been believed, such as astrology.

Example of Method of Intuition

Trusting gut feelings or hunches when making decisions, like choosing a career based on passion.

Example of Method of Authority

Relying on information from textbooks or respected figures, such as doctors or professors.

Example of Method of Faith

Believing in religious teachings without question, such as faith in spiritual leaders.

Observation in Scientific Method

The first step where researchers identify phenomena or areas of interest to study.

Hypothesis in Scientific Method

A testable prediction based on the initial observations, often framed as an if-then statement.

Testing in Scientific Method

Conducting experiments to evaluate the hypotheses and gather data.

Conclusion in Scientific Method

Analyzing the results of tests to determine if they support or refute the hypothesis.

Peer Review in Scientific Method

The process of subjecting research findings to the scrutiny of other experts in the field.