1. Research Methodology Scientific Inquiry By: Hailu M. (MPHE, Assist. Professor) Department of Epidemiology Jimma University November, 2020

2. Objectives  To define scientific inquiry  To describe categories of scientific inquiry  To understand the characteristics and skills of scientific inquiry  Differentiate approach's of scientific inquiry

3. Sources of Knowledge ????  two major approaches of knowing the world: everyday experience science  A s we live in this world and interact with our surrounding we may be confronted with new ideas that may have important impact on our lives.  We get access to this new information through our senses ---the most immediate way of knowing something.

4. ways of knowing from our everyday experiences The Method of Tenacity The term tenacity refers to the acceptance of a belief based on the idea that “we have always known it to be this way” it represents the automatic acceptance of the prevailing traditional beliefs and customs in which we have been socialized We accept those beliefs and customs as true without exploring them and then behave with it. Even when we come across evidences that contradict our beliefs, we still tend to cling to our traditional belief E.g. FGM practice  problems: The information may gain wide acceptance through its familiarity alone. offers no means for correcting erroneous ideas

5. The Method of Authority  If we enter into a new culture ………..we are likely to ask others whom we think have a wealth of experience and knowledge about the cultural practices of the community.  We may, then, accept a new idea or information stated by this authority figure. Problem  authority can be incorrect and at times can lead people in the wrong directions.

6. The a Priori Method  we develop general knowledge, opinion, or belief about the world through the aforementioned methods or personal observation of things around us ……..then we draw new and specific conclusion from this general knowledge.  Hence, is known as a deductive reasoning.  Reason and logic are the basic tools Problem  logical conclusions may not necessarily lead to correct conclusions E.g. All men are tall; Baca is a man; therefore, Baca is tall

7. Common Sense  is based on our own past experiences and our perceptions of the world  It originates from our day-to-day practical experiences and in turn guides our daily interaction with our surrounding. Problems  our experiences and perceptions of the world may be quite limited.  The concepts that we have about the world may be seriously misleading.

8. Scientific inquiry  is a process by which scientist test, refine and discover new ideas.  It is the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work.  The purpose of scientific inquiry is to create knowledge that clarifies a particular aspect of the world around us.

9. Intro cont’d…..  Inquiry begins with an understanding of current content knowledge.  Scientific inquiry is directed toward testing and choosing from alternative theories.  It is the process of questioning, asking what, why & how and searching for answers to these question

10. Intro cont’d…..  Is also democratic, allowing independence & freedom of thought & encouraging disagreement & alternative explanations.  Through these process scientific ideas become understood, then accepted or rejected.

11. Intro cont’d…..  Scientists have discovered that nature has an inherent, elegant order.  The objective of scientific inquiry is to find and characterize these patterns.  The purpose of scientific inquiry is to create knowledge that clarifies a particular aspect of the world around us.

12. Categories of research 1.Empirical and theoretical research Health research mainly follows the empirical approach, i.e. it is based upon observation and experience more than upon theory and abstraction 2. Basic and applied Basic research is usually considered to involve a search for knowledge without a defined goal of utility or specific purpose Applied research is problem-oriented, and is directed towards the solution of an existing problem.

14. Basic Skills of Scientific Inquiry:  Observing  Classifying and sequencing  Communicating  Measuring  Predicting  Hypothesizing  Inferring  Defining, controlling, and manipulating variable in experimentation  Designing, constructing and interpreting models  Interpreting, analyzing and evaluating data

15. Uses of Scientific Inquiry:  Make connections with world situations  To encourage more active problem solving approach to learning and thinking  Review what is already known in light of experimental evidence  Propose answers, explanations and predictions  Use tools to gather, analyze and interpret data

16. Fundamental assumption  The fundamental assumptions of scientific inquiry is that life is not totally chaotic or random but has logical and persistent patterns of regularity - Positivism.  Positivism:- All sciences, physical, natural, social, or health are based on the fundamental assumption that there exists a persistent pattern or regularity in what is being studied.

17. Two major pillar of scientific inquiry Scientific theory Empiricism

18. Scientific theory  Scientific theory : an explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times by detached groups of researchers.  Scientific theories are used to derive research hypotheses, plan research, make observations, and explain generalizations and patterns of regularity in life.

19. Scientific theory cont’d….  Scientific inquiry generally works within the framework of scientific theories.  Theories are based on overwhelming evidence, used as explanations or predictions of phenomena, and are potentially testable

20. Scientific theory cont’d….  One theory is generally judged to be superior to other competing theories if it:  involves the fewest number of statements and assumptions  explains the broadest range of phenomena, and  predicts most accurately  In short, scientific theories should be efficient, comprehensive, and accurate

21. The relationship between theory and research  Research - is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to answer a certain question or solve a problem.  There is an intimate connection between theory and research  Theory provides guidance for research.  Research, in turn, verifies, modifies, or reconstructs theory.

22. Empiricism  The most critical characteristic of scientific inquiry is that it is based on empiricism  Empirical evidence is the only means scientists use to corroborate, modify, or construct theories.

23. Empiricism cont’d…. S cientific inquiry needs to be empirical because of : oTo produce scientific evidence. ofocus on problems and observed issues. oEmpiricism means scientific inquiry cannot settle debates on values or beliefs.

24. Objectivity  Scientists, like other people have their own values and often make value judgments.  But, in terms of research, individual values may affect the validity of the inquiry and make the finding biased.

25. Objectivity cont’d….  Although difficult to generalize a research is free from value judgment, there are means to maximize objectivity: The concept of control Improved design Extending the study period Peer review Replication

26. The process of theory construction  Specify the topic  Specify the assumptions  Specify the range of phenomena  Specify the major concepts and variables  Specify the propositions, hypotheses and relationship  Specify the theory

27. Thank you!