. Science is not just a bulk of
knowledge, but knowledge assembled by the appliance of the scientific methodology.
The scientific method has led to the
discovery of some of the most important concepts in science today such as evolution,
gravitational theory, relativity, and too much more to list. It helps to catch frauds and bring the
truth to light. It continues to be the standard for which all scientific discoveries are measured and
verified and it has stood the test of time to be used in all fields in science and it has applications
in many other industries.The primary goal of scientific research is to describe and explain
reality. Research begins with defining and describing what is already known about a subject.
This requires reviewing the literature and synthesizing the information generated by various
studies in the past.In scientific method, logic supports in preparing propositions clearly and
precisely so that their probable substitutes become clear. Further, logic develops the
consequences of such alternatives, and when these are compared with observable phenomena, it
becomes possible for the researcher or the scientist to state which alternative is most in harmony
with the observed facts. All this is done through experimentation and survey investigations
which constitute the integral parts of scientific method. The scientific research will have the following steps:-
1. Observe an event: - The first process in the scientific method involves the observation
of a phenomenon, event, or “problem.” The discovery of such a phenomenon may occur
due to an interest on the observers‟ part, a suggestion or assignment, or it may be an
annoyance that one wishes to resolve.
2. Develop a hypothesis: - Observation leads to a question that needs to be answered tohuman curiosity about the observation, such as why or how this event happened
or what it is like. In order to develop this question, observation may involve taking
measures to quantify it in order to better describe it. Scientific questions need to be
human curiosity about the observation, such as why or how this event happened
or what it is like. In order to develop this question, observation may involve taking
measures to quantify it in order to better describe it. Scientific questions need to be
answerable and lead to the formation of a hypothesis about the problem.
3. Test the prediction. A scientific hypothesis has to be testable and also has to be proven
to be accurate. If it does fall short, another hypothesis may be tested, usually one that has
taken into consideration the fact that the last tested hypothesis failed. Prediction is a
statement about the way things will happen in the future, often but not always based on
experience or knowledge. 4 Observe the result: - All evidence and conclusions must be analyzed properly. 5. An experiment is designed to prove or disprove the hypothesis.6.Revise the hypothesis 7. Repeat as needed.8. A successful hypot
2. How science is different from belief?
Belief is the acceptance of something without the
need of any evidence.
Eg. Belief in God.
Science requires that beliefs be continuously tested
against evidence from the real world.
Eg. Sun rises in the east. (Applicability of
rotation and revolution)
4. Scientific Method
The scientific method is the process by which the above
components of science is carried out.
To be termed scientific, a method of inquiry is commonly
based on empirical or measurable evidence subject to
specific principles of reasoning. For example if the dead
body is bluish in colour that means there was a dosage of
toxin used.
The scientific method is a body of techniques for
investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or
correcting and integrating previous knowledge
5. Scientific Research- Steps
Observe an event. (observation of a phenomenon, event, or
problem.)
Develop a model (or hypothesis) which makes a prediction. (a
question that needs to be answered to satisfy human curiosity
about the observation, such as why or how this event happened
or what it is like)
Test the prediction (This is to prove or disprove the hypothesis)
Observe the result. (All evidence and conclusions must be
analyzed properly)
If not successful, revise the hypothesis.
Repeat as needed.
A successful hypothesis becomes a Scientific Theory.
5
6. Scientific Research and its Characteristics
•Objectivity.
•Systematic and cumulative in nature.
•Creates scientific knowledge.
•Conducting scientific research skills –
theoretical and methodological.
•Repetition and Precision to reach a
conclusion.
•Invention - The final result of
scientific research is invention.
7. Merits
Absence of forgery and manipulation of data
No choice but the selection and rejection of
unwanted results:-
No manipulation of a representation or an image,
Absence of plagiarism and theft of ideas,
No falsification of content,
Impossibility in doing unauthorized publication by
a third party,
No sabotage of research activity
8. Whether legal research is scientific
research
Earlier it was a notion that the science and law do not
go hand in hand since, in law, the limits reside in
procedural technicalities.
Fowler V. Harper in his research paper ‘Scientific
Method in the Application of Law’ states that all the
doctrinal study conducted in research is unscientific.
Only empirical studies come under the purview of
scientific research.
But now the views change with the scope of law being
increased. Today in marine law, intellectual property
law, medical law esp. forensic laws, environmental law
to deal with climate change the usage of science is
greatly appreciated.
9. Whether legal research is scientific
research
The evidentiary quality of scientific data are checked in
the process of practising law, they also focus
specifically on the role of scientists as expert witnesses.
Issues concerning scientific proof have been central in
debates concerning, for instance, the reliability and
interpretation of evidence from DNA fingerprinting,
insanity pleas, rape trauma, the toxicity of certain
chemical wastes etc
Therefore now scientific researches are done to prove
legal phenomena
10. Whether legal research is scientific
research
In 1969 UNESCO adopted a resolution called
"Promoting Fundamental Scientific Research”
Promotion of Scientific Research is available at
Continental Shelf Convention, Convention on the High
Seas
The German Constitution guarantees freedom of
scientific research.
Dharam Deo Yadav v. State of U.P. (2014) 5 SCC 509,
the Supreme Court bench emphasized the need to adopt
scientific methods in crime detection to save the judicial
system from low conviction rates.
11. Problems in scientific research
The right to privacy: Chances of exploitation of
personal data for purposes of scientific research
Environmental protection :- genetic research,
carrying out genetic work and release of genetically
modified organisms often violate environment
protection
Life and health of human beings:- clinical trials and
cloning experiments happening are posing threats
Human dignity:- Fertility treatments