2 the scientific method

The Scientific Method

Dr. Ibrahim Ghazi

Lecture No. 2

١ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi

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The Scientific Method
The scientific method is a process for
experimentation that is used to
answer questions and explore
observations.
Scientists use an experiment to
search for cause and effect
relationships in nature.

٢ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


Steps in the development of a research project
1 - Selecting a Research Topic
selecting a topic is a concern for many beginning
researchers, especially for those who write
research papers and Dissertations

Sources of Research Topics
1 - Magazines and Periodicals
2 - Research Summaries
3 - Everyday Situations
4 - Archive Data

٣ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


Determining Topic Relevance:
This step can be accomplished by answering
eight basic questions:
Ques on 1: Is the Topic Too Broad?
Ques on 2: Can the Problem Really Be Investigated?
Ques on 3 : Are the Data Susceptible to Analysis?
Ques on 4 : Is the Problem Significant ?
Ques on 5 : Can the Results of the Study Be
Generalized?
Ques on 6 : What Costs and Time are Involved in the
Analysis?
Ques on 7 : Is the Planned Approach Appropriate to
the Project?
Ques on 8 : Is There Any Potential Harm to the
Subjects?
٤ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


2 - Reviewing the Literature

ØResearchers who conduct studies
under the guidelines of scientific
research never begin a research
project without first consulting
available literature.
ØThe review provides information
about what was done, how it was
done, and what results were
generated.
٥ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


Before any project is attempted, researchers
ask the following questions:
1. What type of research has been done in your topic
area?
2. What has been found in previous studies?
3. What sugges ons do other researchers make for
further study?
4. What has not been inves gated?
5. How can the proposed study add to our knowledge
of the area?
6. What research methods were used in previous
studies?
Answers to these questions will usually help define
a specific hypothesis or research question
٦ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


3 - Stating a Hypothesis or Research Question

After a general research area has been
identified and the existing literature
reviewed, the researcher must state the
problem as a workable hypothesis or
research question.
A hypothesis is a formal statement regarding
the relationship between variables, and it is
tested directly. The predicted relationship
between the variables is either true or false.

٧ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


4 - Research and Experimental Design

Ø The approach selected by the researcher
depends on the goals and purpose of the study

Ø The terms research design and experimental
design have become interchangeable to refer to
the process involved in planning
a research project.

٨ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


There are four characteristics of research
design that should be noted if a study is to
produce reliable and valid results:

1. Clear cause-and-effect relationships
2. valid measurements
3. a sample should be large enough to allow
detection of minor effects or changes
4. Realism

٩ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


5 - Data Collection , Analysis and Interpretation

Ø The time and effort required for data analysis and
interpretation depends on the study's purpose and
the methodology used.
Ø Every analysis should be carefully planned and
performed according to guidelines designed for
that analysis .
Ø Once the computations have been completed, the
researcher must "step back" and consider what
has been discovered.
Ø Researchers must determine through analysis
whether their work is valid internally and externally

١٠ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


6. Draw Your Conclusion:

This is your opportunity to explain
the meaning of your results.
v Did your experiment support your
hypothesis?
v Does the additional research need to
be conducted?
v How did your experiment address your
initial question and purpose?

١١ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


7. Write a report for your research

Since you are performing
an experiment for the research
project, you will write a report
and prepare a display board so
that others can share in your
discoveries.

١٢ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


8 - Presenting Results
Ø The format used in presenting results
depends on the purpose of the study.
study
Ø The Research is for the publication in
the academic journals follows a format
prescribed by each journal
Ø All presentations of results need to be
written in a clear and concise manner
appropriate to both the research
question and the individuals who will
read the report.
١٣ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


The scientific method is a way to ask and
answer scientific questions by making
observations and doing experiments.
The steps of the scientific method are to:
o Ask a Question
o Do Background Research
o Form a Hypothesis
o Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
o Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
o Communicate Your Results

١٤ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


١٥ Dr.Ibrahim Ghazi


2 the scientific method

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