The principal purpose of any scientific research is to describe, predict and explain observations or a set of data; hence the three types of research methods: descriptive, predictive, and explanatory methods of research. The descriptive method of research is primarily concerned with finding out, ‘what is this; it describes observations or sets of data without drawing any conclusions; this research method entails collecting information that describes happenings and then arranging, tabulating, depicting, and describing the data.
The explanatory research method seeks to understand and explain relationships between the parts of a phenomenon. The predictive research method moves beyond explanations to the possibility of an occurrence of a similar case elsewhere.
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Some differences and similarities are obtainable from the definitions and explanations of the three mentioned types of research methods. These differences vary from the questions the methods ask or seek to answer, to the difference in methods or procedures used to attain their goals.
i. Purpose of research
Descriptive research emphasizes on the accurate description of a particular feature in society; it deals with the study of ‘what’ and the quality or quantity of the ‘what’ and answers the question, what is this? Explanatory research, on the other hand, institutes a cause-and-effect connection between two variables, answers the question of why and how a situation occurred. Predictive predicts the likelihood of something happening, it responds to the question of ‘what is the probability of another occurrence?’
ii. Procedure and Methodology
Unlike in the case of Explanatory research, Descriptive research is planned prior, and designed so the data collected can be statistically inferred on the particular population.
The explanatory research method puts more emphasis on the discovery of concepts and insights as opposed to collecting statistically accurate data like in the other research methods.
The descriptive method of research only deals with merely the description of data, without any conclusions, as opposed to the explanatory, where reasons for occurrence are required, and the predictive, where a forecast is needed.
Question Two
Scientific truth refers to the correct understanding of nature brought about by theories and explanations that accurately predict new results from new observations. These facts are based on accurate observations of physical reality, and they can be tested using observation. The procedure of establishing a scientific truth has everything to do with the scientific method. One can reach a truth by following and critically analyzing the four processes involved in the scientific method which is: observation, formulation of a hypothesis, testing of the hypothesis and the final step, analyzing data and reaching a conclusion. Whenever somebody learns something new concerning the environment, they first observe, after which they formulate a hypothesis to explain the observation. These hypotheses contain predictions of the results and a possible explanation. If the predictions of their hypothesis hold, they come to the conclusion that they might be onto some scientific truth. A repeated experiment in this case with adjusting of the hypothesis leads to the confirmation of this idea as a scientific truth or not. The scientific method can only go as far as detecting errors in the theory, not ascertaining it as the truth.
Most people assume facts to be what they know and believe. No scientist is ever ready to accept that they were wrong in their hypothesis, they want to pass out their scientific theories as for the gospel truth. Scientific truth is distinguishable from mere opinions and strong hunches, in that it can be determined through proofs. Scientific fact, like any good theory, has to have evidence that can be experimented on to back up the statements. If other independent individuals/ scientists are not able to test the truth of a particular theory, it does not qualify as a scientific fact; it must be in principle, a possibility to prove it wrong.
Question Three
Basic research refers to a type of research who purpose is to seal the gaps by providing more knowledge on areas where it lacks. It attempt to describe things that are not applicable to the real world directly. Applied research, on the other hand, is a research whose main aim is to resolve a real issue in the real world. Basic research is important as applied research because it supplements what has been obtained through applied research. Basic research attempts to resolve a problem that involves a costly, time consuming and precious resources but does not have a direct application to the real world problems. Basic research therefore feeds applied research and vice versa.
An infomercial asserts, “A study proves that Fat-B-Gone works, and it will work for you also.” What is wrong with this statement?
This statement has no meaning. It does not describe what study it is, the researcher who performed the study, why he did the study, the variables of the study, and the timelines. For a statement of research to be valid and reliable, it must provide the exact description of the study.
Question Four
In a research project intended to gather data on the effects of type of study method on examination performance, subjects are an-randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In one condition, they study alone, using notes they took during class lectures. In a second condition, subjects study in interactive groups with notes from class lectures. The amount of time spent studying is held constant. All students then take the same exam. In this study:
a. What is the independent variable? Type of study method
b. What is the dependent variable? Examination performance
c. Identify the control and experimental groups. Control group subjects use notes they took during class lectures and the experimental group is students in interactive groups with notes from class lectures.
d. Is the independent variable manipulated or is it a participant variable? The independent variable is manipulated using time.
Gerontologists interested in the effects of aging on reaction time have two groups of subjects take a test in which they must indicate as quickly as possible whether a probe word is a member of a previous set of words. One group of subjects is between the ages of 25 and 45, whereas the other group is between the ages of 55 and 75. The time it takes to make the response is measured. In this study:
a. What is the independent variable? Aging
b. What is the dependent variable? Reaction time
c. Identify the control and experimental groups. The control group subjects is between the ages of 25 and 45 whereas the experimental group is those between the ages of 55 and 75.
d . Is the independent variable manipulated, or is it a participant variable? The independent variable is the participant variable.
References
Svensson, L. (1984). Three Approaches to Descriptive Research.
Tsai, C. C. (1999). "Laboratory exercises help me memorize the scientific truths": A study of eighth graders' scientific epistemological views and learning in laboratory activities. Science Education , 83 (6), 654-674.
Skinner, B. F. (1956). A case history in scientific method. American Psychologist , 11 (5), 221.
