Premium Essay

Scientific Menthod

In:

Submitted By icytea1986
Words 847
Pages 4
Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper

Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper
This paper will focus on the scientific method and how it relates to human services research. The steps in the scientific method will be addressed, as well as why they are important and need to be included to support the scientific method. I will briefly discuss how the scientific research method was applied in the article that I found. Lastly, I will summarize how scientifically sound research supports the function of a human services manager.
There are six steps in the scientific method. According to Creswell (2012), they are; identifying a research problem, reviewing the literature, specifying a purpose for research, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting the data, and reporting and evaluating research. Each of the steps in the scientific method need to be included to support the scientific method because without it information will be missing. The first step in the scientific method is to ask a question. You need to have a question so you can search for the answer. The second step is to review the literature. This means to locate, select, and summarize resources. The third step is to specify a purpose for the research. This means you identify the purpose statement, and narrow down the purpose statement to research questions, or hypotheses. The fourth step in the scientific method is to collecting data. This means gathering information, permission, and selecting individuals to study. The fifth step is analyzing and interpreting the data. In this step you break down, represent and explain the data. The last step in the scientific method is reporting and evaluating research. In this step you decide on the audience, structure the report, and write the report sensitively. All of these steps work together to get to the end result which is an

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Scientific Managament

...Report 1 Throughout the history of managamnet, we have had many theorists who have tried to improve managamnet strategies, thus imrove efficiency and effectivness. From the pinoeers of managamnet, like Robert Own and Charles Babbage, through the time of classical managamnet, to scientific managamnet and other contemporary theories, we have had many people with different ideas and strategies on how to imrove the managamnet of the company. This research will concentrate on the work of one of the scientific managamnet theorists, Douglas McGregor. Scientifc managamnt is a type of managamnet that emphasizes on workflows and specifically on labor productivity. Managers in this period have made a significant influence on managamnet as a whole, since this was the first time managament was considered a science. Frederic Taylor, who is considered to be the father of scientific managament, started developing scietific managament in 1880's. After his theories became famous, there were many more followers of scientific managamanet and many other theorists, like Douglas McGregor. Douglas McGreorg was born in 1906, received quality edcuation, peeking with the Ph.D. form Harward University in 1935. (The Economist) He is most famous for his book "The Human Side of Enterprise", thus his theoy of X and Y. McGregor theorizes that management should view the employees' motivation for work in two distinct ways, Theory X and Theory Y. Theory x is authoritative and it assumes that workers naturally...

Words: 590 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Asdfghjkl

...One of the most basic statistical analysis is descriptive analysis. Descriptive statistics can summarize responses from large numbers of respondents in a few simple statistics. When a sample is obtained, the sample descriptive statistics are used to make inferences about characteristics of the entire population of interests. Descriptive analysis is the transformation of data in a way that describes the basic characteristics such as tendency, distribution, and variables. A examples of this would be if a company wanted to find out what type of bonus employees prefer. Descriptive statistics are used to explain the basic properties of these variables. One descriptive statistics that is used to explain the basic properties of variables is Mean, Median, and Modes. These terms all would be descriptive statistics for the above example by describing the central tendency in different ways. The mean would reflect the average answer that is given. The Median would provide the answer that is the central or middle range answer. The mode would be the answer that was given the most often. A second descriptive statistic that is used to explain the basic properties of variables is Tabulation. This refers to the orderly arrangement of data in a table or other summary format. When the tabulation process is done by hand, the term tallying is used. Simple tabulation tells how frequently each response or bit of information occurs. A third descriptive statistic used to explain the basic properties...

Words: 470 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Research Proposal

...Introduction The term “procurement” has many definitions, to name few: Conjecture Corporation defines procurement as “steps taken in the acquisition of goods and services”. Investopedia defined procurement in two ways – 1. They defined it as a means to attained possession of something, usually after exerting a substantial effort to do so. 2. It is a way of purchasing of something usually for a company, government or other organization. The procurement of either goods or services involves wild-range of activities in many organizations. Procurement activities in the United Nations, of example, involves and to mention few - the acquisition planning; the drafting; the reviewing and approving Specifications. Seeking to measure and improve procurement practices in non-governmental organizations in comparative perspective, this research proposal aims to explore the successes and failures of the procurement practices by the United Nations procurement division. The research will attempt to explore both challenges and the successes of their operations since they began more than 60 years ago. I intend to provide a thorough yet concise overview of sustainable procurement practices and the project be structured in the following manner. I will Begin with a thorough analysis of the background for United Nations procurement practices and activities. Thereafter, the discussion about reasons for undertaking the study, this will be followed by a section on research aims, the research finding...

Words: 896 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Aspects of Psychology Unit 2 Ip1

...Psy206-1004A-101 Aspects of Psychology Unit 1 IP1 Kevin J. Penn September 10, 2010 American InterContinental University Online Abstract The following compares and contrast of Naturalistic Obersavation and Correlational research. Which includes the research techniques reliability and validity strengths and weakness and generalizability. There are many different ways of collecting information and data to compare different types of things that happen from the past, present and to help predict the future. The research methods that I have compared are Naturalistic observation and Correlational research method. Like any thing else that they are more than one way of obtaining something there are differences and similarities that researchers can use to help them obtain their objective. The correlational research method is one in which the facts are utilizes facts to form links with an assortment of dependent variables. In most cases it is the one that is used first to give a basis before experiments can begin. There are three types of correlational research, observational, survey, and archival (Schmidt, 2000). Observational research includes items that can be tangibly recorded, for example, reporting for work and production. Survey research refers to the statistics that can be found by questioning subjects; for example, comparing the associations between couples who live together and divorce rates (Schmidt, 2000). Archival research deals...

Words: 762 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Research Methodology

...3.2 POPULATION AND SAMPLING A population is the entire group of persons or objects that is of interest to the researcher, in other words, that meets the criteria which the researcher is interested in studying. (Brink & Wood 1998; Burns & Grove 2003). The non-probability sampling approach was used within the XXX Metropolitan Province. Furthermore, the researcher used a convenience sampling technique which caused sampling bias. The researcher used the convenience sampling technique which was as a result of the readily available subjects for the study. (Brink, 2006:132). (Cohen, 2000) stated that the researcher simply chooses the sample from those to whom she/he has easy access. Cohen went on to say this implies generalisations of findings are limited as the sample does not represent any group other than itself. This is a limitation that is explained in the last section of this chapter. This creates a cause for further research to be done. 3.3 RESEARCH DESIGN Qualitative and quantitative research designs were used. The research design describes the plan or blueprint of an investigation to obtain answers to research questions or problems (Babbie & Mouton, 2001). The researcher adopted the descriptive research technique. (Borg &Gall, 1989) say that, “descriptive research describes natural or man-made educational phenomena that are of interest to policy makers and educators.” For this reason the research design was chosen. Creswell and Brink alluded to the statement further...

Words: 300 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Business Research

...Chapter 4 Key Terms and Discussion Questions Census- is a count of all elements in a population. Data- information collected from participants, by observation, or from secondary sources. Data analysis -editing, reducing, summarizing, looking for patterns, and applying statistical techniques to data Decision rule- criterion for judging the attractiveness of two or more alternatives when using a decision variable. Decision variable- is a quantifiable characteristic, attribute, or outcome on which a choice decision will be made. Investigative questions- questions the researcher must answer to satisfactorily answer the research question; what the marketer feels he or she needs to know to arrive at a conclusion about the management dilemma. Management dilemma- the problem or opportunity that requires a marketing decision Management question- the management dilemma restated in question format. Management-research question hierarchy- is a process of sequential question formulation that leads a manager or researcher from management dilemma to investigative questions. Measurement questions- what participants in marketing research are asked or what specifically is observed in a research study. Pilot test- is a trial collection of data to detect weaknesses in the design or instrument and provide proxy data for probability sampling. Primary data- is data the researcher collects to address the specific problem at hand— the research question. Research design- is the blueprint...

Words: 953 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Lesson Plan

...Name: Michaela Wulf Date: 1-28-2013 Science Methods prekindergarten- 4th Professor: Jamal Dennis Lesson Plan # 2 Name of Activity: Making a balloon rocket Age Level it is Appropriate: This activity is age appropriate for preschoolers Number of Children: There will be ten students, to one teacher Curriculum Area(s): Science PA Learning Standard/Indicator Addressed: Physical Science- Physic: 3.2b.1- Force and motion of particles and rigid bodies. Behavioral Objectives: To have the children understand through demonstration on how to make a Balloon Rocket following the directions that are given. Materials: * 1 Balloon( round ones, even though long ”airship” balloon works best * 1 long piece of kite string (10-15 feet long) * 1 plastic straw * Tape Motivation: Ask the children how fast do they think a rocket can go? Explain to the children the activity that we will be conducting as a class. Which is how to make a balloon rocket? Procedure: Balloon Rocket: * Tie one end of the string to a chair, door knob, or other support * Put the other end of the string through the straw * Pull the string tight to tie it to another support in the room * Blow up the balloon(but do not tie it) pinch the end of the balloon and tape the balloon to the straw * Let go and watch the rocket fly! Closer: At the end of the experiment I will ask the children open-ended questions Assessment: I will ask the children...

Words: 337 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Does Methadone Maintenance Help Clients or Simply Prolong Their Addiction

... Kaplan University Helen Farel The disease of addiction may never be fully understood, but further studies in methadone maintenance with opioid dependence will prove that methadone maintenance prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms and helps an addict to maintain their sobriety while trying to overcome their addiction. In this paper the author will discuss the scientific method and several studies that have been conducted on the use of methadone in the treatment of substance abuse. The scientific method is a set of principles and procedures that researchers use to develop questions, collect data and reach conclusions. (Cherry, 2013). In Psychology the goals of the scientific method is to seek and describe behaviors and explain why the behaviors occur. (Cherry, 2013). Researchers also strive to create research that can be used to predict and change human behavior. (Cherry, 2013). The four steps of the scientific method are, (1) forming a testable hypothesis, (2) devising a study and collecting data, (3) examining the data and reaching conclusions and (4) reporting the findings of the study. (Cherry, 2013). All the research articles discussed in this paper used the empirical research method. This type of research is based on experimentation or actual observation; it is conducted to test a hypothesis. The researchers observed and measured the behaviors of the participants...

Words: 1164 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Critique of Research Report

... CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH REPORT DEFINITION Research critique is a planned careful critical evaluation of a piece of research work against the prescribed criteria to judge the strenth and weakness of the research study. Critique should be balanced , wherealternative suggestions must be provided to further enforce the strenth and eliminate the weakness of the study to improve overall quality of the research project. PURPOSES * To provide inputs regarding the strenth and weakness of a study to the researchers. * To provide suggestions to the students regarding the methodological flaws in their research project and also to evaluate the understanding of the research by the students. * To judge the scientific merits of the study. * To take a decision whether to publish the study in journal or not. GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A RESEARCH CRITIQUE * Read & understand the research report carefully. * Carryout the critical appraisal of all the aspects of the research report before writing the critique of a research report. * Avoid general vague statements : be objective and sensitive while framing the negative comments , and be practical by considering all the limitations of the research. * Keep a balanced approach in the research critique by presenting both strong and weak points of the report, because certainly no report can be without any aspects . in addition , we must not just let go...

Words: 1185 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Abnormal Psychology

...Nissa Lewis William Carey University   Contemporary Psychology 2 Abstract The definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various Times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the Spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, Then, we can arrive at and acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities Of contemporary psychologist. These are just a few of the activities that engage contemporary psychologists. Clearly, no single definition of psychology can take into consideration the wide variety of activities engaged in by the more than 148,000 members and affiliates of the American Psychological Association, not to mention the many other psychologists around the world.   Contemporary Psychology 3 Introduction to Contemporary Psychology The definition of psychology has changed as the focus of psychology has changed. At various times in history, psychology has been defined as the study of the psyche or the mind, of the spirit, of consciousness, and more recently as the study of, or the science of, behavior. Perhaps, then, we can arrive at and acceptable definition of modern psychology by observing the activities of contemporary psychologist. These are...

Words: 691 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Quantitative Methods and Analysis

...Unit 1 - Fundamentals of Statistics Denise Taylor American InterContinental University Abstract This study shows that children between the ages of 13 or 14 behaviors are affected by the evening work schedules. Mothers who worked at night spent considerably less time with their children and had lower quality home environments, this links to adolescent risky behaviors. Other types of maternal and paternal nonstandard work schedules were linked to higher parental knowledge of children's whereabouts, which led to lower levels of adolescent risky behaviors. These analyses revealed that boys, those in families with low incomes, and those whose mothers never worked at professional jobs may particularly be affected by mothers working at nights, due to spending less time together, having a lower degree of maternal closeness, and experiencing lower quality home environments (Han, W., Miller, D. P., & Waldfogel, J. (2010).   Introduction This article demonstrates how when parents work late night schedules it affects children and causes different behaviors such as; cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug use, sexual activity and poor grades. These work schedules are usually between the hours of 6 p.m. - 3: am) Children whose parents work between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. are less likely to have these problems because they are in school or in after school programs. Chosen Variables The variables qualitative which are Boys between the ages of 13- 17, and Quantitative...

Words: 446 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Qualitative Paper

...In: Other Topics Qualitative Research Study Running head: Qualitative Research Study Qualitative Research Study Grand Canyon University NRS433V 5/30/10 Qualitative Research Study Introduction The qualitative research study that I chose to critique is on infections related to Nursing home-acquired pneumonia. Pneumonia care and the nursing home: a qualitative descriptive study of resident and family member perspectives. Soo Chan Carusone,1 Mark Loeb,1,2 and Lynne Lohfeld1,3 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada2Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Canada 3Program for Educational Research and Development, McMaster University, Canada Corresponding author. Soo Chan Carusone: chansy@mcmaster.ca; Mark Loeb: loebm@mcmaster.ca; Lynne Lohfeld: lohfeld@mcmaster.ca Received September 19, 2005; Accepted January 23, 2006. Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lung parenchyma, build up fluid in the tissue of the lungs and then this infection spread in to whole body. The causes are mainly by Viruses, Bacteria, often caused by parasites or fungi. Pneumonia is the 5th leading cause of death in elderly. It may be unrecognized due to many factors such as it may be asymptomatic, or may be confused with other medical Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections occur frequently among older adults residing in long-term care facilities...

Words: 1135 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Soc Sci Researches

...Characteristics of Different Social Science Research Methods ( by Oscar Mercado) |Criteria |Historical Study |Case Study |Survey |Experiment |Content Analysis |Feasibility Study | |When to use |When objective is to determine |When objective is to observe a |When objective is to see a |When objective is to determine |When objective is to find out |When objective is to find out | | |the growth and development of a |process in depth |general picture of people’s |the cause and effect |the type or quality of messages |the economic viability of | | |group, organization or | |awareness, knowledge, attitude |relationship of certain social |found in the mass media or |establishing a certain | | |institution | |and/or behavior towards a |phenomena under controlled |documents |infrastructure or institution | | | | |certain phenomenon |condition | | | |Source of data...

Words: 306 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Organizational Psychology Paper

...on the cutting edge in order to ensure success in the ever changing and highly competitive corporate environment. Paramount to this success is the application of organizational psychology which focuses on the human factor of business. Close examination of the root definition, roles of research and statistics, and utilization of organizational psychology within organizations will provide insight into just how the human factor contributes to the failure or success of an organization. The finely tuned sports team, that just achieved greatness, or the corporation that collapsed due to corruption contained one thing, people who had either a positive or negative impact on an organization. “Organizational psychology is field that utilizes scientific methodology to better understand the behavior of individuals working in organizational settings” (Jex & Britt, 2008, p.1). The simple explanation is to understand what makes people tick in an organizational environment such as a business. Once understood, the challenge to organizational psychology is to capitalize on dynamics of individual behaviors and build upon the success of the organization. The role of research and statistics in organizational psychology is crucial to understanding how an organization functions. Research is accomplished in numerous ways; archival data studies, survey studies, and observational studies gather information for researchers about employees in a business setting (Gantly, 2010). Information gathered...

Words: 776 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Research 341

...Real Estate Research Process RES 341 / Research and Evaluation 1 March 28, 2011 Professor Real Estate Research Process Introduction Every individual whether they are aware of it or not, base their decision-making on some form of statistical data. Simple everyday decisions are made through rationalizing a problem or opportunity, forming a hypothesis, analyzing information, and determining a decision based on the gathered information. For the purpose of practicality, Team A has chosen real estate market data gathered from the website for the Statistical Techniques in Business and Economics (2008) textbook to formulate and define a chosen problem, attempt to delineate the purpose of the research into the variables that affect the problem, propose a hypothesis and its research conduction, and briefly discuss the remaining steps in the research process the team will follow to complete the final project. Purpose of the Research According to Sekaran (2003), knowing the purpose of the research being conducted is the first step to understanding and defining the problem and reaching a hypothesis. Articles of clothing are usually priced for the quality of the material, the amount of material being used, and the perhaps the brand of the maker. However, this common-sense rule does not apply in real estate all of the time. The real estate market has always been an intricate web of real estate agents, negotiations, and many confusing rules. Buyers may wonder why a one-bedroom...

Words: 1677 - Pages: 7