Introduction to scientific research
A Research Method / Proposal writing Seminar
organized for Wollo University academic staff’s
Abebe Dinku, Prof. (Dr.-Ing.)
School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, AAiT
Addis Ababa University,
29th January 2021
Research methods -Introduction
Why research methods?
Are science, social science, engineering,
medicine, military, etc research methods
the same?
Who can do research?
A simple schematic representation of
the research process
Identify research problem ; Practical judgment
Preliminary literature review
Develop research idea: Formulate research
problem ; Theoretical framework
Literature review
Research hypothesis & design
Data collection
Data analysis
Interpretation & conclusion
Publication
Sources of knowledge
1. Everyday Experience as Sources of Knowledge
As we live in this world and interact with our
surrounding we may be confronted with new ideas that
may have important impact on our lives. We get access
to this new information through our senses --- the
most immediate way of knowing something. This is what
we call sensory knowledge.
Sources of knowledge (contd.)
2. The Scientific Method as a Source of Knowledge
Science is a body of systematized knowledge. In scientific method ideas
are evaluated and corrected through dispassionately observing by
means of our bodily senses or measuring devices - in this case science
can be seen as a systematic and controlled extension of common sense -
and using reason to compare various theoretical conceptualization based
on experience – which represents a direct application of the principles
of logic. This blend of direct sensory experience (or measurement) and
reason gives science a self-corrective nature.
One of the characteristics of science is a reliance on information
that is verifiable through experience. That is, it must be possible for
different people in different places and at different times using the
same method to obtain comparable results.
Science and common sense differ in terms of:
the use of conceptual schemes and theoretical structures
the notion of control
the explanations of different observed phenomena
Sources of knowledge (contd.)
The steps in the scientific method guide researchers
in planning, conducting, and interpreting research
studies.
Scientific research follows logical steps, which
include:
• defining the problem
• making tentative explanations
• gathering information
• testing the validity of the hypothesis
• making conclusions as to whether the hypothesis
can be accepted or rejected
Sources of knowledge (contd.)
Scientific methods:
• find general rules,
• collect objective evidences,
• make testable statements,
• adopt a skeptical attitude about all
claims,
• are creative,
• are public, and
• are productive.
Sources of knowledge (contd.)
It should be noted that, apart from its
importance in knowing the world, the
scientific method of knowing has some
limitations.
• The scientific method cannot answer all
questions
• Application of the scientific method can
never capture the full richness of the
individual and the environment
• The measurement devices always have
some degree of error.
Scientific research defined
Research is defined as human activity based on
intellectual application in the investigation of
matter. In other words, research is the systematic
process of collecting and analyzing information to
increase our understanding of the phenomenon
under study.
It is the function of the researcher to contribute
to the understanding of the phenomenon and to
communicate that understanding to others. It may
be said that the general aims of research are to
observe and describe, to predict, to determine
causes and explain.
Scientific research explained
Scientific research is therefore a systematic
attempt to obtain answers to meaningful
questions about phenomena or events through
the application of scientific procedures.
It is impartial, objective, empirical and logical
analysis and recording of controlled
observations that may lead to the development
of generalizations, principles or theories,
resulting into some extent in prediction and
control of events that may be causes or
consequences of specific phenomena.
Scientific research explained
The salient features that distinguish
research from casual observations:
Research is:
Systematic - so ordered, planned and
disciplined;
Controlled - the researcher can have
confidence in his/her research outcomes
Empirical - putting beliefs, ideas, or
assumptions to a test; and
Critical – many truths are tentative and are
subject to a change as a result of subsequent
research.
Main Characteristics of a
scientific research
Research:
is directed toward the solution of a problem
is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence
demands accurate observation and description;
involves gathering new data from primary or first hand sources or using
existing data for a new purpose;
is characterized by carefully designed procedure, always applying rigorous
analysis. However, it is sometimes somewhat random and unsystematic;
requires expertise;
is characterized by patience and unhurried activity
is carefully recorded and reported;
sometimes requires courage;
emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, or theories that will
be helpful in predicting future occurrences; and
strive to be objective and logical, applying every possible test to validate the
procedures employed, the data collected, and the conclusion reached.
Goals of scientific research
The purpose of scientific research is problem solving.
The problem could be an immediate and practical
value or they could be of theoretical nature.
That is, research focuses on answering various
questions and acquiring new knowledge.
It is the primary tool used in virtually all areas of
science to expand the frontiers of knowledge. In
addition, by conducting research, researchers
attempt to reduce the complexity of problems,
discover the relationship between seemingly unrelated
events, and ultimately improve the way we live.
Goals of scientific research
(Contd.)
Seeking solutions to practical or theoretical
problems involves doing the following
important tasks:
• Describing phenomena
• Explaining phenomena
• Predicting phenomena
• Controlling phenomena
• Comparing phenomena
Description
Description represents efforts exerted to
give pictorial account of the phenomenon
being studied. It is actually the first step in
research since it provides the basis for
further exploration about the phenomenon
under consideration.
Indescription, the researcher attempts to find
answers to the questions “what,” “who,” and
“where?”
Explanation
In explanation, the researcher is interested in exploring
the reasons or the causes of the occurrences of certain
behaviors or event.
It involves understanding the cause – and – effect
relationship between phenomena.
Attempts have been made to answer the question “why?”
E.g. Why does ice have lower density than water?
Having found possible causes for a particular happening or
state of affairs, the researcher has to build
generalizations that will explain a wider body of knowledge
in the area.
Prediction
In research, generalization is made not only
to explain the past but also to predict what
will happen in the future. A widely based
conceptual framework or theory will be used
to make prediction about the variable of
interest.
E.g., Female’s empowerment improves their
level of participation in politics.
Control
Researchers are also interested in influencing or changing
a particular event or condition for different purposes.
Therefore, the description, explanation, and or prediction
of events which result from any research undertaking are
not casual or without aim. It is to explore and allow
possibilities of control – to intervene and subsequently
observe an expected result.
E.g., If educational level and male dominance are identified as
a cause of low participation of females in politics and if the
researcher predicted that an intervention program that
raises females’ educational level and changes males’ attitude
increases females’ level of participation in politics, the
researcher will introduce the intervention package to bring
about the desired change.
Comparison
The researcher may also be interested in
comparing two or more groups on a certain
behavior. The purpose here is to explore
whether two or more groups are similar or
different with respect to the occurrence of
certain event.
Comparison may take different forms. Instead
of comparing groups on one behavior, the
researcher may instead compare different
behaviors in one group simply to determine
which behavior is more likely to occur in this
same group of individuals.
Summary
There are two broad sources of knowledge: Everyday experience as
a source of knowledge and scientific method as a source of
knowledge.
Everyday sources of knowledge include the method of tenacity,
authority, a priori method and common sense.
The scientific method as a source of knowledge represents
scientific research.
The goal of research is problem solving. The problem could be of an
immediate al value or they could be of theoretical nature.
The specific purposes of scientific research include description,
explanation, prediction, control and comparison.
Scientific research relies on the application of the scientific
method, a harnessing of curiosity.
Research provides scientific information and theories for the
explanation of the nature and the properties of the world around us.
Research is systematic, controlled, empirical and critical
investigation of natural, behavioral and social phenomena.
Thank you!!
