Assumptions of the Scientific Method or Inquiry

Assumptions of the Scientific Method or Inquiry


Assumptions of the Scientific Method



Scientific Method of Research:   A method usually means the logical process or a systematic procedure used in discovering or demonstrating the truth. From a broader view, the scien­tific method also represents a particular attitude and a perspective to look at the world in order to obtain verifiable knowledge. It represents a philosophy, a theory and a programme to see the world in a definite, exact and precise manner.

Meaning of assumption in Science Method:  The act of taking for granted , or supposing  a thing without proof . For example – if a ball falls to the ground, science assumes that there must be a natural explanation for why the ball moves downward once released.  Assumption is a statement whose truth is being presupposed but not proven.



Assumptions of Scientific Method:

Underlying the scientific method, there are certain assumptions

(i) Know ability:

One can know man, group, society, institu­tions and the interrelations and processes operating among them.

(ii) Con-subjectivity: We get impression or image of a thing or event almost similar through our senses like any other man.

(iii) Regularities: There are regularities in the forces of Nature. One can find succession, association or interconnection between various events.

 (iv) Freedom: Man more or less enjoys freedom in understanding a phenomenon as true or false. The validity of this understanding cannot be demonstrated by scientific method.

(v) Truth: A scientist investigates factual or empirical truth, which is different from moral, spiritual or philosophical truth.

(vi) Replicability or Reliability: It means same process of the research must be replicable or repeated by different individuals.

(vii) Precision:  It is the theoretical concepts that help to test that theory.

(viii) Falsifiability: It means a theory must be stated in a way that it can be disproven.

(ix)  Parsimony:  When there are numerous explanations of a phenomenon, scientist must always accept the simplest or logically most economic explanation.

(x)  Empirical: Scientific method of research based on direct experience or observation

(xi) Logical:   Scientific method of research must be based on a valid procedures and principles.

(xii) Cyclical:  Scientific method of research is a cyclic process as it is started with a problem and ends up with a problem. The result of research may be negative or positive or nil.

(xiii) Analytical: Scientific method of research utilizes proven analytical data.

(xiv) Critical:Scientific method of research exhibits careful and precise judgment.

(xv) Methodological: Scientific method of research is conducted in a methodological manner without bias using systematic method and procedures.

 

                            

                                                                                                          

 

Conclusions:


The form and contents of scientific truths change on availability of new facts. Some of the scholars regard these assumptions as values of science, but the word ‘value’ connotes subjectivity, choice or will which is not applicable in case of these assumptions. They are not ultimate, secret or subjective truths, but are merely instrumental in knowing the reality. By rejecting them or discarding the means, one cannot realize the end. These assumptions are objective and neutral in the sense that they do not influence the findings or conclusions. Still, the scientists commonly believe in pursuing the truth. They do have certain values. As such, they have faith that the universe is cosmos and not a chaos. Various events, units, persons, and their behavior can be subsumed under certain patterns. The aim of science is to discover these patterns. This work is done by science in open and public view. There are no secret processes, no predetermined diagnosis, no personal understanding and no bargaining. Everything is put before the public eye so that the whole world may see it and challenge its presentation.

 

 


References:

http://www.politicalsciencenotes.com/articles/assumptions-of-scientific-method-and-its-goals

https://mind.ilstu.edu/curriculum/scientific_method/scientific_method.html



Submitted by 

Sutapa Garai

M.Ed (sem -1), Roll no -03

VINAYA BHAVANA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

VISVA BHARATI

SANTINIKETAN, BIRBHUM

SESSION: 2020 – 2022


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