Research Methodology Definition of Scientific Research

1. Scientific Research
ASSIGNMENT 2:
Definition of Scientific Research
Research Methodology
Dr. Sridhar
TITLE: A Study on Pragmatic Approaches and
Quality Initiatives for Enhancing Teachers’ Caliber
in
Post Graduate Institutes offering MBA Programme
under Bangalore University
Under the Guidance of
Dr. T.V. Raju
Director, RV Institute of Management, Bangalore
CANARA BANK SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
BANGALORE UNIVERSITY
SUBMITTED BY
Shivananda R Koteshwar
PhD Research Scholar, 2013, REG# 350051
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

2. Scientific Research
Scientific Research Method
Scientific research method is inquiry based on empirical and measurable evidence
subject to specific principles of reasoning.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the scientific method as: "a method or
procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in
systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing,
and modification of hypotheses”
When research is not based on scientific method, then the result could be biased.
Scientific method applies to the entire life cycle of the research – Hypothesis,
Prediction, Formulation of question, Sampling, Experimentation, Observation,
Recording, Measurement, Analyzing, Formulation, Testing, Modification and
Conclusion. The tools used for any of these steps also need to pass reliability tests.
The scientific method also includes other components required even when all the
iterations of the steps above have been completed:
• Replication: If an experiment cannot be repeated to produce the same results,
this implies that the original results were in error
• External review: The process of peer review involves evaluation of the
experiment by experts, who give their opinions anonymously to allow them to
give unbiased criticism.
• Data recording and sharing: Scientists must record all data very precisely in
order to reduce their own bias and aid in replication by others
Scientific researchers propose hypotheses as explanations of phenomena and design
experimental studies to test these hypotheses via predictions, which can be derived
from them. These steps must be repeatable to guard against mistake or confusion in
any particular experimenter. Scientific inquiry is generally intended to be as objective
as possible in order to reduce biased interpretations of results.
The key elements of scientific research is
1. Ethical neutrality (Eliminate personal opinion)
2. Objective (not subjective)
3. Evidence based
Aristotle viewed scientific inquiry as a progression from observations to general
principles and back to observations. The scientific method is not a single recipe: it
requires intelligence, imagination, and creativity. It is not a mindless set of standards
and procedures to follow, but is rather an ongoing cycle, constantly developing more
useful, accurate and comprehensive models and methods
Guidelines for effective scientific method:
1. Define a question
2. Gather information and resources (observe)
3. Form an explanatory hypothesis
4. Test the hypothesis by performing an experiment and collecting data in
a reproducible manner
5. Analyze the data
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University

3. Scientific Research
6. Interpret the data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for new
hypothesis
7. Publish results
8. Retest (frequently done by other scientists)
SOURCE: Source of information is class notes, Wikipedia and Text book.
Shivananda
R
Koteshwar,
PhD
Research
Scholar,
Bangalore
University