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Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning refers to a structured
approach utilizing an accepted premise (known
as a major premise), a related minor premise,
and an obvious conclusion.
Major Premise:
All students attend school regularly
Minor Premise:
John is a student
Conclusion:
John attends school regularly
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Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning has been adopted into the
sciences as the preferred way to explore new
relationships because it allows us to use accepted
knowledge as a means to gain new knowledge.
Specific Premises:
•John, Sally, Lenny and Sue attended class
regularly
Specific Premises:
•John, Sally, Lenny, and Sue received high
grades
Conclusion:
•Attending class regularly results in high grades
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Example
Major Premise: (Theory or Hypothesis )
Attending classes regularly results in high grades
Group 2:
Heather, Lucinda, Ling, and Bob do not attend classes regularly
Group 2:
Heather, Lucinda, Ling, and Bob received C’s and D’s
Conclusion:
Attending class regularly results in higher grades when compared with not attending
class regularly (the Major Premise or Hypothesis is therefore supported)
Utilizing the scientific method for gaining new information and testing the validity of a
major premise, John Dewey suggested a series of logical steps to follow when
attempting to support a theory or hypothesis with actual data. In other words, he
proposed using deductive reasoning to develop a theory/hypothesis followed by
inductive reasoning to support it. 9
4.4. Science and research
Science is inductive in its study of a
number of specifics and its use of
these results to formulate a theory.
The truths derived in this way are
temporary and open to adjustment
By definition, science does not deal
with absolute Truth.
The result is temporary, open-ended
truth
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Research
Researchers combine the powers of
deductive and inductive reasoning into
what is referred to now as the scientific
method.
It involves the determination of a major
premise (called a theory or a hypothesis)
and then the analysis of the specific
examples (research) that would logically
follow.
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4.5.The scientific method
is a step-by-step procedure for solving problems
on the basis of empirical observations. Here are
the major elements:
1. Begin with a ―felt difficulty.‖
2. Write a formal ―Problem Statement.‖
3. Gather literature information.
4. State hypothesis.
5. Select a target group (population).
6. Draw one or more samples, as needed.
7. Collect data.
8. Analyze data.
9. Test (the null, or alternative) hypothesis.
10. Interpret the results.
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Steps of scientific method
1. Begin with a ―felt difficulty.‖
What is your interest?
What questions do you want answered?
How might a theory be applied in a specific situation?
The felt difficulty is the beginning point for any study (but it has no place in
the proposal).
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4.6 Characteristics of Research
1. Objectivity
Look for objective reality — the world as it is — uncolored by
personal opinion or feelings.
Honest researchers take a neutral position in their studies.
They are willing to accept empirical results contrary to their
own opinions or values.
2. Precision
Reliable scientific knowing requires precise
measurement.
They carefully design instruments to be as accurate
as possible.
Accurate measurement is a vital ingredient in the
research process.
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Characteristics of Research….
3. Verification
Science analyzes world processes which are systematic and
recurring.
Researchers report their findings in a way that allows others to
replicate their studies — to check the facts in the real world.
4. Empiricism.
The root of “empiricism” refers to the ―employment of empirical
methods, as in science,‖ or ―derived from observation or
experiment; verifiable or provable by means of observation or
experiment.‖
not on abstract philosophizing or theologizing.
5. Goal: Theories
The goal of scientific research is theory construction,
not the mere cataloging of empirical data.
The inductive process of scientific knowing begins with the
specifics (collected data) and leads to the general (theories). 20
4.7. Types of Research
Under the umbrella of scientific research,
there are several types of studies you can
do. These types differ
inprocedure
what they entail
outcome
what they accomplish.
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4.7. Types of Research
1. Historical Research
analyzes the question “what was?”
It studies documents and relics(Relics are artifacts left by
communities and cultures in the past.) in order to determine the
relationship of historic events and trends to present-day practice.
The goal of historical research is to in explain the underlying
causes of present practices.
2. Descriptive Research
Descriptive research analyzes the question “what is?”
A descriptive study collects data from one or more groups, and then
analyzes it in order to describe present conditions.
A popular use of descriptive research is to determine whether two or
more groups differ on some variable of interest.
The goal of descriptive research is to accurately and empirically
describe differences between one or more variables in selected
groups. 22
4.7. Types of Research….
3. Exploratory
initial research to clarify and define the nature
of problem
usually conducted with the expectation that
subsequent research will be required to
provide
to understand better the dimension of problem
most exploratory research provide qualitative
data rather than quantitative
provide greater understanding of a concept
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Exploratory research is most commonly unstructured,
“informal” research that is undertaken to gain background
information about the general nature of the research problem.
Exploratory research is usually conducted when the researcher
does not know much about the problem and needs:
additional information or desires new or more
recent information.
To define terms
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4.7.1 Based on how it is done Quantitative vs. Qualitative :
Quantitative research
is based on the measurement of quantity or
amount.
It is applicable to phenomena that can be
expressed in terms of quantity...
Qualitative research,
is concerned with qualitative phenomenon,
i.e., phenomena relating to or involving
quality or kind.
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Main Types of Qualitative Research
Case Study
Attempts to shed light on a phenomena by
studying in depth a single case example of the
phenomena.
The case can be an individual person, an event, a
group, or an institution.
Grounded Theory
Theory is developed inductively from a corpus of
data acquired by a participant-observer.
The researcher does not wait until data are
completely collected to begin data analysis; instead,
data collection and analysis occur simultaneously so
that the analyzed data guides subsequent data
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collection.
Ethnography
Focuses on the sociology of meaning
through close field observation of socio-
cultural phenomena. Typically, the
ethnographer focuses on a community.
Historical
Systematic collection and objective evaluation of
data related to past occurrences in order to test
hypotheses concerning causes, effects, or trends
of these events that may help to explain present
events and anticipate future events.
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4.7.2. Based on purpose Applied vs. Fundamental:
Applied research
is undertaken to solve a specific problem or provide a
solution to a practical question..
aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a
society or an industrial/business organization
Fundamental/Pure/basic research,
is mainly concerned with generalizations and with
the formulation of a theory.
takes place to explore a particular concept, or
issue, without regard for a specific problem, and
may be carried out to simply gain a better
understanding of the overall concepts.
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4.7.3. Based on how it is done Conceptual vs. Empirical
:
Conceptual research
is that related to some abstract idea(s) or theory.
It is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to
develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing
ones..
Empirical research,
relies on experience or observation alone,
often without due regard for system and
theory.
It is data-based research, coming up with
conclusions which are capable of being
verified by observation or experiment 34
4.7.4. Based on how it is done Descriptive vs. Analytical:
Descriptive research
Describes a particular phenomenon, focusing upon the
issue of what is happening, or how much of it has
happened, rather than why it is happening.
The major purpose of descriptive research is
description of the state of affairs as it exists at present.
The main characteristic of this method is that the
researcher has no control over the variables; he can
only report what has happened or what is happening.
In analytical research,
Here, the researcher has to use facts or information
already available, and analyze these to make a critical
evaluation of the material.
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4.7.5. Based on source of data PRIMARY vs SECONDARY RESEARCH :
Primary research
Refers to research that has involved the collection
of original data specific to that particular research
project, for example through using research
methods such as questionnaires, interviews or
experiment.
Secondary research,
Refers to research where no such original data is
collected, but the research project uses existing (or
secondary) sources of data, for example census or
archive data, published data.
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4.7.1 Research Methods-The Case Study Approach
Doesn’t use sampling subjects out
of large populations
It is an in-depth (not breadth)
investigation of an individual, group,
event, community or institution is
conducted.
The investigator tries to discover all
the variables that are important in
the history or development of his
subject. 37
4.7.2 Research Methods-Observation
all scientific research involves observation (empiricism) of one kind
or another.
Here to focus on observation as one specific research technique
among many.
the term ―observation‖ means ―looking at something without
influencing it and simultaneously recording it for later analysis.‖
Early decision
By ending the observation phase prematurely, the researcher
may interpret the data incorrectly.
Personal characteristics
Many of the things that characterize us as being ―human‖
pose difficulties in the observation process: emotions,
prejudices, values, physical condition. 38
4.7.3. Research Methods-Survey Research
Survey research uses questioning as a
strategy to elicit information from subjects in
order to determine characteristics of selected
populations on one or more variables.
A written survey is called a questionnaire;
An oral survey is called an interview.
Although they serve similar purposes in
gaining information, each provides unique
advantages and disadvantages to the
researcher.
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4.7.4 Research by Secondary data collection
Secondary data means data that are already
collected and analysed by someone else.
Usually published data are available in:
(a) various publications of the central, state and local
governments;
(b) various publications of foreign governments or of
international bodies and their subsidiary organisations;
(c) technical and trade journals;
(d) books, magazines and newspapers;
(e) reports and publications of various associations
connected with business and industry, banks, stock
exchanges, etc.;
(f) reports prepared by research scholars, universities,
economists, etc. in different fields; and
(g) public records and statistics, historical 40
4.7.4. Research by Secondary data collection
The sources of unpublished data are
many:
they may be found in diaries, letters, unpublished biographies
and autobiographies and also may be available with scholars
and research workers, trade associations, labor bureaus and
other public/ private individuals and organizations.
Caution !
Researcher must be very careful in using secondary
data.
It is never safe to take published statistics at their face
value without knowing their meaning and limitations
The already available data should be used by the
researcher only when he finds them reliable, suitable
and adequate.
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4.8. Research Ethics and Integrity
Research Integrity
is an aspect of moral character and
experience.
It involves all a commitment to intellectual
honesty and personal responsibility for one’s
actions and to a range of practices that
characterize responsible research conduct.
include a discussion of the ways in which the
participants/subjects might be at risk in this
study and the steps taken to protect their
rights.
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Good ethical practice includes
Adherence to the mutual responsibilities of mentors
and trainees;
Proficiency and fairness in peer review;
Honesty, Accuracy and fairness in representing
contributions to research proposals and reports;
Collegiality in interactions, communications and
sharing of resources;
Disclosure of conflicts of interest;
Protection of human subjects in the conduct of
research;
Humane care of animals in the conduct of research;
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As a summary Research
is directed toward the solution of a problem;
is based upon observable experience or empirical
evidence;
demands accurate observation and description;
gathers information from primary or secondary sources;
follow carefully designed procedures, always applying
rigorous analysis;
requires expertise;
requires patience and unhurried activity;
carefully recorded and reported;
sometimes requires courage;
emphasizes in the development of generalizations,
principles and theories;
strives to be objective and logical 45
REVIEW ASSIGNMENTS
1. State the meaning of research and
purposes of research?
2. What are the Distinguishing
characteristics of research?
3. What are the most probable areas of
research in your field of study ( refer at
least some publications in net and get a
feeling of it)?
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