One main point in the first chapter relates to the idea that scientific research should contribute to a body of science. In this regard, it is essential for a researcher to follow published ideas and findings to create a sensible product that is practical for all people. The second point is that researchers come up with scientific laws and theories by using logic and evidence. According to Bhattacherjee (2012), the two provisions are the pillars that form the foundation of scientific knowledge. The third point relates to the importance of understanding inductive and deductive research since both components are essential for advancing scientific knowledge. The theories developed by researchers can only be valuable if they can relate to the reality. For this reason, the data gathered in a scientific study and the theories considered should explain a particular phenomenon or a given circumstance.
One of the three main points outlined in the second chapter includes the provision that a researcher should be able to determine the unit of analysis (Bhattacherjee, 2012). Bhattacherjee (2012) describes a unit of analysis as a given group, individuals, organizations, particular technologies, and countries, among others. Even though it might be difficult to understand a unit of analysis, its importance emanates from the idea that it guides the type of data to be collected. The second main point from the chapter is that it is essential to come up with a precise and understandable definition of the constructs to be used for scientific research. In this case, a researcher should be aware of the operational and dictionary constructs. Conversely, chapter two emphasizes on the need for a researcher to be specific on the dependent and independent variables during a scientific study.
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One main point from the third chapter relates to the shaping of a study’s frame of reference, referred to as paradigms. Recognizing paradigms in social research is vital for clarifying and recognizing the differences that individuals hold when assessing a specific social phenomenon. The second point is that the mental paradigms are essential for shaping social science research. The paradigms can be used in the creation of the research design, which constitutes the activities necessary for answering the question developed during the exploration phase (Bhattacherjee, 2012). The third main point in the third chapter relates to the construction of a sampling strategy to be used during the research process. It is vital for researchers to select their target population carefully since the data collected from the sample of a given population should avoid possible research biases.
What is Science and Scientific Research?
Bhattacherjee (2012, p. 1) describes science as “a systematic and organized body of knowledge in any area of inquiry.” It is possible to group science into natural and social science. Natural science is considered the science that takes place naturally and can be classified into physical, earth, and life sciences, among others. Social science is regarded as the science of individuals, groups, companies, and different societies or economies. Social science factors in the element of an individual or the collective behavior of a particular society. On the other hand, scientific research focuses on the discovery of laws as well as the postulation of theories that can assist in explaining natural as well as social issues. In this light, scientific research assists in the development of scientific knowledge that can explain a given phenomenon suggested by scientists.
An Understanding of the words ‘Concept,’ ‘Variable,’ and ‘Hypothesis.'
The term ‘concept’ refers to the collection of meanings or the characteristics that relate to particular conditions, behaviors, or events. Individuals abstract the meanings from their experiences as well as the use of particular words as labels. For instance, when an individual sees another passing, he or she can be able to identify that the person is either walking or running. Variables are elements presented in a research question or a given research hypothesis. A research hypothesis constitutes dependent and independent variables, which determine the characteristic or attributes in the hypothesis. A research hypothesis is designed using concepts. In this case, researchers devise measurement concepts that can be used in testing the hypothesis. In this case, a hypothesis refers to the formulation of a proposition for empirical testing. A hypothesis is a statement that declares the relationship between two or more variables that can be conjectural or tentative in nature.
Reference
Bhattacherjee, A. (2012). Social Science Research: Principles, Methods, and Practices. Retrieved from http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002&context=oa_textbooks
