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Uses of Research Methods
In our society, knowledge of and the ability to research reports are important and useful in many occupations. |
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In addition to occupational uses and benefits, scientific research is important in public decisions and the development and assessment of designed to achieve specific goals. |
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The Scientific Approach and the Goals of Science
The scientific approach differs from other ways of knowing and learning human behavior. Instead of using this approach, many people rely on and . |
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However, there are limitations to both of these methods. Intuition, for example, has many cognitive and biases that affect our perception. |
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In fact, one type of cognitive-bias called , can lead people to mistakenly think two events have a causal connection because they occur at the same time, especially if they are highly motivated to believe in this causal relationship. |
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Incorrect conclusions may also be drawn when people unquestionably accept that statements of authorities are and they may not true. |
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Instead of relying on intuition and authority to know about behavior and the world around us, the scientific approach recognizes both of these methods are of about behavior. |
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Scientists gain knowledge about the world by using the method. |
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The fundamental characteristic of this method is called . |
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There are general goals in scientific research. |
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These goals are to ,
predict, determine the causes of, and to understand or behavior. Determining the cause of behavior is more than discovering two events occurs together. |
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In order to reach a conclusion about the cause of behavior, the following three things must occur: 1) temporal , 2) covariation of the cause and effect, and 3) the elimination of explanations. |
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Basic and Applied Research
In addition to the goals of research, there are two kinds of research. When research is designed to answer fundamental questions about the nature of behavior or issues, it is called research. |
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On the other hand, when research is designed to address practical and potential solutions, it is called research. Both basic and applied research are equally important and the progress of science is dependent on a synergy between both kinds of research. |
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