Brief Introduction of Scientific Method in Research

1. Scientific Method

4. Nadeem Shokat
MS Clinical Psychology
nadeemsho@gmail.com
+92 302 3443 759

5. Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a
standardized way of making
observations, gathering data,
forming theories, testing
predictions, and interpreting
results.

6. Characteristics of SM
They are orderly & systematic processes.
Scientists attempt to control external
factors that are not under direct
investigation.
Scientific methods are based on
assumptions or hypothesis.
They are basically conduced to develop or
test hypothesis

7. Steps of Scientific Method
1. Make an observation
2. Form a hypothesis
3. Test the hypothesis
4. Collect, Organize and Analyze the Data
5. Draw Conclusions
6. Communicate the results

8. Observation
Observation consists of receiving
knowledge of the outside world
through our senses, or recording
information using scientific tools and
instruments such as microscopes,
scanners or transmitters to extend their
vision or hearing.

9. Hypothesis
Based on your observation a Hypothesis is
formed that tries to explain your
observation or answer your question. A
hypothesis tries to predict or determine the
outcome of your experiment even before
the experiment is done. Predictions usually
stated in an “if ….. Then” statement.
For example: If I drop a rock then it will
fall down toward the ground. Hypothesis
must be testable!

10. Test the Hypothesis
Controlled Experiments are used to test
a hypothesis. A controlled experiment
is an experiment that tests only one
factor at a time by a control group is
compared with an experimental group.
Variables are not changed in the Control
Group.

11. Collect & Analyze Data
Data collected from experiments. Data is
defined as: recorded observations or
measurements:-
(qualitative = description, quantitative = number data)
Data is organized in tables, charts and
graphs so that it can be more easily
analyzed

12. Draw Conclusions
Scientists decide whether the results of the
experiment support a hypothesis. When the
hypothesis is not supported by the tests the
scientist must find another explanation for
what they have observed.
NO EXPERIMENT IS A FAILURE: All
experiments are observations of real events

13. Communicate Results
Results must be communicated in the
form of a written paper or presentation.
Communication helps other scientists
performing the same experiments to see
if the results of your experiment are the
same as their results. It also helps people
see if results are repeatable!

14. Theories
Theories are explanations for
some phenomena based on
observation, experimentation,
and reasoning.

15. Laws
Laws are summaries of many
experimental results and
observations. Laws are not the
same as theories because laws
tell only what happens, not why
it happens.

18. Goals of Scientific Methods
The scientific method is intended to
meet 4 goals;
Description
Prediction
Explanation
Application

19. Description
Description refers to the procedures
used to define, classify and
categorize subjects and their
relationships. Descriptions allow us
to establish generalizations.

20. Predictions
Descriptions of events often provide a
basis for prediction. Predictions are
sometimes made in the form of
hypotheses, which are tentative, testable
predictions concerning the relationships
between or among variables.

21. Explanation
The most important goal of scientific
research is explanation. Explanation is
achieved when the cause or causes of a
phenomenon are identified.

22. Application
In applied research, psychologists apply
their knowledge and research methods
to improve people’s lives. Psychologists
conduct basic research to gain
knowledge about behavior and mental
processes and to test theories.

23. Scientific Report
A scientific report is a document that
describes the process, progress, and
results of technical or scientific research
It might also include recommendations
and conclusion of the research.

24. Elements of Scientific Report
 Title Page
 Table of Contents
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Material & Methods (Experimental)
 Results
 Discussion
 Conclusion
 Reference

25. Thank You