Research

SCIENTIFIC METHOD The scientific method of acquiring knowledge looks at learning as a series of step i.e. a process whereby a source or sources provide(s) an indication of what may or may not be true or the truth is found only via a series of objective analysis. In essence, the scientific method is self correction i.e. changes in thought or theory are noted and corrected when errors in earlier research are uncovered. For example, scientists change their view of a flat world to a round world consequent upon research. Five characteristic distinguish the scientific method from other methods of knowing Wimmer and Dominick (1987) Scientific method is Pushe: science is a pushe enterprise in which efficient communication among scientists is essential. Each scientist builds on what has been learnt in the past. Day by day his or her findings are compared with other scientists working on the same problem. Scientific method is objectives: objectivity is sacrosanct in scientific method because there is no room for eccentricities of judgment i.e. definite rules and procedures must be constructed followed by researchers. Objectivity also requires that scientific research deal with facts. Scientific method is empirical: empiricism is a theory that says that knowledge originates in experience. That science is empirical is tantamount to the conclusion that researchers are concerned with a world that is knowable and potentially measurable. Scientific method is systematic and cumulative: Researcher can afford to refer to what has been done in the area he is not researching into by earlier researchers nor can be afford not to make reference to research work done in the related areas he is researching into. The reason is simple, no study stands alone, nor does it rise or fall by itself. Reference to previous researchers works are always use as building blocks by researchers. This is generally known as literature review or reviewing the literature. By referring to research work as systematic.