How to Characterize Scientific Research

Jun 20

Many of you might be planning to perform scientific research and finding answers to some questions posed by specific theories of science. In simple words, scientific research may refer to the investigation of certain relationships among real-life phenomena using scientific or technical methods or techniques. However, there are certain common characteristics of varied types of scientific researches that need to be understood in order to facilitate the right approach adopted toward conducting research on a scientific problem.

*  Use of scientific methods: A scientific method lets you study a problem from an observable and measurable perspective. While conducting scientific research, such time-tested methods are used. Researchers formulate hypotheses that can be properly tested and conduct required experiments, observations and measurements. Their goal is to set reliable theories that can be applied to any scientific field.

*  Objective: Scientific research is always objective in nature. Experiments are designed in a manner so there is no biasness left in studies. Even the interpretation of results is done in a neutralized manner using technical and statistical tools and techniques. There is no way one’s personal belief and wishes could influence a scientific study. Any changes in a set theory are also done based on proven scientific reasons and cross findings.

*  Reliable and valid: Each scientific study is conducted in a way to provide sufficient reasoning to its findings. Additionally, its methodology can always be replicated to arrive at same results. Scientific research is sufficiently reliable and always remains valid in nature. This happens because scientific research is based on facts.

*  Systematic: In scientific research, there is proper documentation of each aspect of a study. It is fully planned and conducted in a predefined manner. There is so much organization that no scope for unclear aspects exists. Usually, scientific research is not very flexible when it comes to methodology usage and data interpretation. One cannot be subjective and creative while interpreting the findings. There is no randomness. All observations are done in a very systematic manner.

*  Exploration: The nature of scientific research is exploratory. Usually, research is done to find more about the unknown aspects of nature. Thus, more exploration is required as compared to studies in social sciences or humanities.

Based on such pointers, you may now evaluate your proceeding toward the planning and conduction of your own scientific study. See if you are moving in the right direction and with a well-defined scientific methodology.

One comment

  1. Based on such pointers, you may now evaluate your proceeding toward the planning and conduction of your own scientific study. See if you are moving in the right direction and with a well-defined scientific methodology.

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