Social Research Methods

Articles

• Variable

Science

Science allows to prove its correctness. (contrast to intuition) Science has scientific skepticism (contrast to authority)

Goals

• Description
• Prediction
• Identification
• Explanation

Empricism

All knowledge is derived from validated data.

Hypothesis and Theory

Hypothesis is not supported by data. Theory is supported by data but may NOT be proven.

The Process of Scientific Approach

Existing idea

The researcher should have existing ideas which offten drevies from existing theories and observations.

Make Hypothesis

Hypothesis is speculated with the existing data, but it should be a new and unproven idea.

Provide data

Provide data and appropriate interpretations to prove or refute the hypothesis.

Refine hypothesis

Refine hypothesis according to the interpretations of data. If it should be altered from the old hypothesis, it should also be validated with data.

Ethics

We should follow these rules:

• Beneficience
• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Justice
• Respect for the rights and degnity of others

Benefits

Consider the potential benefits.

Integrity

• No plagiarism
• Mistakes should be corrected

Risks

Minimal Risk

Minimal risk is no greater than ones in daily life (contrast to greater risk)

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