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Methods of Acquiring Knowledge

Presentation · April 2019

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.18684.18569

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Onyukwu Onyukwu E.
University of Nigeria
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• Non-Scientific Methods
• Scientific Methods
•© Onyukwu Onyukwu E. 2018
 Senses and Experience
 Intuition – strong feeling that what one
perceives is indeed true
 Revelation – presentation of the truth from a
supernatural source
Palmistry
Knowledge gained via these sources are
private, subjective and cannot be subject to
objective testing.
Aim - Knowledge production through
construction and testing of theories
No such thing as the scientific methods
It is a generalized process of obtaining new
and reliable knowledge
Must have three characteristics of:
Being objective or involving objective testing,
Logical reasoning
Follow systematic procedure
Some common notions of research are:
 To search again
 To collect information about something
 To search for answers in order to solve
problems
Methodical process of acquiring scientific
knowledge is research.
 The Scientific
Method involves
a series of steps
that are used to
investigate any
natural
occurrence.
 Problem/Question
Make a Reconnaissance
Formulate a Hypothesis
Methodology
Collect and Analyze Results
Conclusion
Communicate the Results
 1. Problem/Question:
Develop a question or
problem that can be solved
through research or
experimentation.
 2. Reconnaissance:
Scan or explore the area of
research interest to
ascertain the true state of
knowledge.
3. Formulate a Hypothesis:
Predict a possible answer to
the problem or question.
Example:
 4. Methodology: Develop and
follow procedures that would
lead to collection of appropriate
data.
Include a detailed list of the
pathway.
The outcome must be analyzable
data or information.
 5. Collate and Analyze
Results: Modify the
procedure if need be.
Confirm the results by
statistical testing.
Include tables, graphs, and
photographs.
6. Discussion of results and
Conclusion: Include a
statement that accepts or
rejects the hypothesis.
Make recommendations for
further study and possible
improvements to the
procedure.
 7. Dissemination of the
Research Report: Be
prepared to present the
project to an audience.
Expect questions from the
audience.
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