Premium Essay

Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry

In:

Submitted By tophia63
Words 664
Pages 3
Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry

Thomas J. Tophia Jr.

BSHS/435

May 26, 2016
Dr. Judith A. Geske

Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry

This paper will define and describe the scientific method and the steps in scientific inquiry. This paper will further explain what the steps are in the scientific method of inquiry or research process and why each of these steps must be included to support the scientific method. Further the paper will briefly discuss how the scientific method was applied in the article “Faculty Beliefs, Perceptions, and Level of Community Involvement in Their Research: A Survey at One Urban Academic Institution”. Lastly the paper will summarize how scientifically sound research supports the function of a human service manager.
Scientific Method The scientific method can be defined as a method that is used for research and study and involves “identifying a problem that defines the goal of research, make a prediction that, if confirmed, resolves the problem, gather data relevant to this prediction, analyze and interpret the data to see if it supports the prediction and resolves the question that initiated the research.” (Monette, Sullivan, & DeJong, 2011) These steps now provide the foundation for education research according to, “Monette, Sullivan, & DeJong, 2011”. The scientific method can help produce the right answers to questions that cannot be answered with common sense alone. Researchers can use scientific methods to exploit all the facts, evidence, opinions, and records to find the right plan. The Human Service professional can, by using the scientific method help with identifying a solution to clients’ problems and by finding a solution can ensure it will help to rebuild clients’ lives. It does not matter what field an individual is in when it comes to human services; research will

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper

...Scientific method and steps in scientific inquiry paper BSHS 435 Mary Evitt January 11 2016 Introduction In this essay, I will define the scientific method, and how it relates to the human service research process. I will explain what the steps are in the scientific method of inquiry or research process, and why must each of the steps being included to support the scientific method. I will discuss how the scientific research method was applied in the article that I chose to complete my research on. I will summarize how scientifically profound research meaning referring to scientific method supports the function of human service manager. Scientific method When defining the scientific method and how it relates the human service research process, when using the scientific method in research you are gathering answers that you do not know about the subject. Using the scientific method is the best way to discover the truth from lies and disillusion. As a human service professional you will work with many clients that will come to you with many different problems wanting your guidance, using the Scientific method you will help guide your clients in the right direction and find the right solution to their problem. The steps in the scientific method There are six steps in the scientific method to help researchers “identifying a problem that defines the goal of research, make a prediction that, if confirmed, resolves the problem, gather data relevant to this prediction...

Words: 1026 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper

...Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper Monique Reed BSHS/435 February 22, 2015 Dora Baker Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry Paper In this paper in will provide details on how scientific methods can be used in the Human services. Explaining the steps of scientific methods, and how it serves as an important key to Human services professionals. Each steps will be included on how they are define and what purpose it serves will scientific methods are applied. Human services professionals use the scientific methods to gain information on the client as well as how to approach the clients issues. Also researching other resources to meet the needs of the client to ensure the client is receiving accurate help. Scientific Method Scientific method is a method that used to research and study that involves investigation and evaluation of present or future problems. Scientific method helps with produce the right answers to questions that cannot be answered with common sense alone. Researchers can use scientific methods to exploit all the facts, evidence, opinions, and records to find the right plan. As a Human service professional using scientific method can help with identifying the solution of the client’s problem and finding a resolution to ensure it will help to rebuild the client’s life. No matter field an individual is in when it concerns Human services, research will always be needed to ensure self-thoughts, bias, and ones on solution is not...

Words: 1047 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Utilizing research methods (such as the scientific method) assists human services professionals in making numerous informed decisions daily. This paper will provide a detailed description of the scientific method and the fundamentals of research by first defining the term ‘scientific method’ as well as by providing an explanation of how it relates to human services research. The steps in the process of scientific inquiry will be reviewed along with why each of these steps must be included to support the scientific method. A human services research example of the scientific method that identifies each of the steps involved in the process of scientific inquiry will also be provided. Likewise, the terms quantitative and qualitative research will be defined and an explanation of the manner in which they differ as well as relate to the human services field and the scientific method will be included along with specific examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each methodology and an explanation why. The term mixed method research will then be defined and the strengths associated with this type of research method will be given as well as an example of when it is appropriate to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Lastly, a brief summary of the way in which scientifically sound research supports the function of a human services manager will also be provided. The Scientific Method in Human Services Research The term ‘scientific method’ is a general expression...

Words: 2195 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Shannon Ladd April 21, 2013 BSHS/382 Vanessa Byrd This paper will define scientific method as well as give an explanation of how scientific research is used in a human services field. It will also discuss the steps in scientific inquiry and why those steps are important and an example will provide of scientific method in relation to the human services field. A description of quantitative and qualitative research will be given, explaining the differences in both model and how these methods relate to the human services as well as the scientific method. Further discussion will involve quantitative and qualitative research methodology touching on the definition of mixed method research. Finally summarizing how scientifically research sound supports the function of a human services manager. The scientific method is a method for research and study that is applied to investigate observations and to bring answers to questions. Researches can exploit the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships. There are many different types of aspect to the human services field, no matter which one research is always needed. If there is a sudden increase in homelessness, child abuse, or joblessness, research offering results is required to answer the question that are related to the increase. The path to those answers can only be found through research. Scientific method according to the Merriam-Webster (2010), is “principles and procedures for the systematic...

Words: 1115 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Fundamentals of Research Paper In this paper I will discuss scientific method and its relation to the human service field. I will explain the steps in the scientific method and the process of scientific inquiry, as well as define quantitative research and qualitative research. I will explain how they differ and relate each to the human services field and the scientific method. The scientific method is a method for research and study that is applied to investigate, observations and to get to the root cause of the problem/situation/s and is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions. Scientists use the scientific method to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. Information is collected by asking open-ended questions during in-depth interviews. Research is increasingly essential to the delivery of human services and to the professionals who are mandated with the responsibility of making the delivery of these services effective, efficient, and responsive to human needs (Monette, Sullivan, & DeJong, 2010, p. 2). When dealing with special need population the elderly, the scientific method can be applied by finding answers to questions. The steps the process of scientific inquiry would be to make an observation, collect all data, analyze what your data means, Plan out the experiment to test your hypothesis, and take notes, draw coclusion.Each of these steps must be included because it helps to minimize the possibility...

Words: 875 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Hjjknhjk

...The Scientific Method The scientific method is a process for creating models of the natural world that can be verified experimentally. The scientific method requires making observations, recording data, and analyzing data in a form that can be duplicated by other scientists. In addition, the scientific method uses inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning to try to produce useful and reliable models of nature and natural phenomena. Inductive reasoning is the examination of specific instances to develop a general hypothesis or theory, whereas deductive reasoning is the use of a theory to explain specific results. The ‘scientific method’ merely refers to a broad framework for studying and learning more about the world around us in a scientific manner. It is not so much a series of absolute, unchangeable steps as a guideline to the method that must be used when trying to reach a scientifically acceptable theory about a subject matter. Therefore, it is not possible to provide a finite number of steps or an exact procedure for following the scientific method. However, the scientific method steps detailed below describe the main steps that scientists commonly take when conducting a scientific inquiry. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD HAS FIVE STEPS: 1. Observation and description of a phenomenon. The observations are made visually or with the aid of scientific equipment. 2. Ask a question, the purpose of the question is to narrow the...

Words: 2382 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Fundamental Research

...will define the term scientific method and how it relates to research in human services. The process to evaluate the research must incorporate steps needed to identify the problem, analysis the data, and finally form a conclusion. The paper will further explore and define the differences between quantitative and qualitative research in the human services field and the scientific method behind the research. An example depicting a quantitative research, qualitative research, and mixed method research will be covered as well as how scientifically sound research can support the functions of a human service professional. Scientific Method and how it Relates to Human Services Research The Institute Innovation in Health and Human Services at James Madison University defines Scientific Method as the collection of quantitative and/or qualitative date for studies that incorporate logical design and are replicable. The measures, procedures, and analysis are informed by best practices in the field, and the findings are interpreted within the context of the extant research literature (para. 5). Scientific method is important to the field of human services as professionals try to assist clients through reliable data previously captured. If a client is dealing with abuse issues the human services professional would be able to assess the appropriate treatment or possible counseling. Steps in the Scientific Inquiry Process The important steps in the scientific inquiry process are the identification...

Words: 1112 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...of Research The text defines scientific method as a “general expression for the methodology of science, or a systematic research approach or outlook emphasizing the use of empirical reasoning” (Rosnow & Rosenthal, 2008, p. 424). Within this paper there will be a discussion on the scientific method and how it relates to research in the human services field. This paper will review the steps in the scientific inquiry process. This paper will define quantitative and qualitative research and explain how they relate and differ each to the human services field and the scientific method. The paper will determine whether to use a quantitative or qualitative research methodology, and provide examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each methodology and why. The paper will define mixed method research with descriptions and strengths included. Examples of when it is appropriate to apply mixed method research in the human services field will also be examined. In conclusion, there will be a summary of how scientifically sound research supports the function of the human services manager. The Scientific Method The six steps to conducting research are “1) identifying a research problem, 2) reviewing the literature, 3) specifying a purpose for research, 4) collecting data, 5) analyze and interpreting the data, and 6) reporting and evaluating research” (Creswell, 2008, p. 7-8). The scientific method is the process of asking and answering scientific questions by observation and experimentation...

Words: 1150 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Scientific Menthod

...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...

Words: 847 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...involves research. Based on the readings there are several research methods. The most common one is the scientific method. The scientific method refers to the ways of investigating a fact by gathering new information and old information (Rosnow, Rosenthal, 2008). In order for it to be scientific one must follow and gather observable, empirical and measurable, evidence to the principle of reasoning (Rosnow, Rosenthal, 2008). According to Rosnow and Rosenthal, for scientific research, information must be gathered threw observing, experimenting and formulating, the information to come up with a hypothesis. Then the hypothesis must be test. There is also Sander Peirce beliefs, which he called The Fixation of Beliefs. His three approaches are the method of tenacity, the method of authority, and a priori method(Rosnow, Rosenthal, 2008). The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypothesis." When the word science is said what comes to mind is natural science like biology, or chemistry. The human services field is a science also. Scientific method is used in the human service field to answer questions in certain areas of human service that are needed (Rosnow, Rosenthal, 2008). For example science methods can help with the understanding of why parents abuse their children...

Words: 777 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...Utilizing research methods (such as the scientific method) assists human services professionals in making numerous informed decisions daily. This paper will provide a detailed description of the scientific method and the fundamentals of research by first defining the term ‘scientific method’ as well as by providing an explanation of how it relates to human services research. The steps in the process of scientific inquiry will be reviewed along with why each of these steps must be included to support the scientific method. A human services research example of the scientific method that identifies each of the steps involved in the process of scientific inquiry will also be provided. Likewise, the terms quantitative and qualitative research will be defined and an explanation of the manner in which they differ as well as relate to the human services field and the scientific method will be included along with specific examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each methodology and an explanation why. The term mixed method research will then be defined and the strengths associated with this type of research method will be given as well as an example of when it is appropriate to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Lastly, a brief summary of the way in which scientifically sound research supports the function of a human services manager will also be provided. The Scientific Method in Human Services Research The term ‘scientific method’ is a general...

Words: 340 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...There are a few scientific approaches to test research and test data, but the scientific method is probably the most common one. Research also plays a vital role in the human services field. Research methods such as the scientific method helps human services professionals to make numerous informed decisions daily. A description of the scientific method research along with the definition, as well as the explanation of how it relates to human services research will be described in this paper. The terms quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research will also be defined as well as an example of when to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Scientific Method Scientific method is defined as the “principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). By hearing the word “science”, we instantly think of the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, geography, and such. Nevertheless, the field of human services is also a science, a social science. The scientific method is also usedto answer questions about human services field. The scientific method can help us understand anything from why refugies are being denied banefits to why the sexoffenders are realeased from prisions. The Steps In The Process Of Scientific Inquiry The steps in the process...

Words: 1210 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research

...current status quo of experimental outcomes involve exploring data analysis. The concept of research is based on the scientific method researchers use to learn, scrutinize, and explain scientific conclusions interpreted in data collected by conducting experiments, addressing questions, or creating ideas. Understanding the process of the scientific method in research involves many steps that generate evidence that can answer many problems in the human services field. Following the steps of scientific inquiry includes identifying a problem, formulating a hypothesis, performing an experiment, and finally analyzing the data from the experiment. Philosopher Hans Reichenbach’s idea of scientific inquiry included two phases. “Reichenbach’s discovery phase of scientific inquiry includes coming up with a testable idea (in the form of a working hypothesis), crafting the research materials, and developing a study design and a plan to implement it. The justification phase creates the rationale for the plan of study and the data analysis, as well as the logic behind conclusions put forward” (Rosnow & Rosenthal, 2008, Chapter 2). Each step must be included to support the scientific method to discover legitimate statements made and provide a foundation for improving choices about personal health and the health of our community. A human services example of the scientific method is researching pregnant teenagers to determine if their family background and lack of education were the primary...

Words: 633 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Fundamentals of Research Paper

...of scientific methods related to the human services will also be provided. A brief description explaining the differences of quantitative research and qualitative research models and how they relate to field of human services and the scientific method will also be given. Also the concerns of quantitative and quality research methodology will be addressed. A brief summary of how scientifically sound researches supports the function of a human services manager will be discussed as well. According to dictionary.com scientific methods is defined as a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis if formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested (dictornary.com). In other words scientific methods are steps that researchers follow in order to test, acquire, and describe different options during the planning stage. Research is needed in the human service field. Let say that there is a large rapid increase child abuse or homeliness, the rapid increase requires results to the question of why the rapid increase. By the use of research the answer to these questions can be answered by the collection of data, observation, and experiment can offer assistance in the field of human services. Scientific inquiry is a way to investigate and offer an explanation of observation. The data is gathered a hypothesis is suggested and the observation is then recorded. The steps involve...

Words: 1020 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Fundamental Research

...there will be a definition of the scientific method and how it relates to the human service field. There will a discussion of the steps in the process of scientific method along with why the steps are important to the human service field. The terms qualitative and quantitative research will be defined and discussion on how they differ, and they relate to the human service profession. Mixed method research will also be discussed and when it would be a good time to apply this method in human services. Finally a brief summary will be included, in which research will support the function of a human services manager. Scientific Method The use of scientific method is essential in the human service field. When using the observing ad experiments method a human service worker can understand and learn much more information about his or her client. The scientific method is defined as method of investigation, which a problem is identified first and observations, experiments, or other relevant data is useable to test or construct hypotheses to solve a problem (Creswell, 2008). The following step of the scientific method consist of first identifying the research problem, observation, hypothesis, experimentation, gathering data, testing the data hypothesis, and the conclusion. These steps of the scientific method should be used in order; no steps should be left out to get proper results from the research. The scientific method can determine the cause and effect...

Words: 993 - Pages: 4