Key Termsc

Analysis Conclusion Copy Data collection Design Download Empirical Empiricism Findings Generalization Hypothesis Internet Interpretation Objectivity

Over-generalizing Premature closure Print-out Results Review of the literature Sample Scientific inquiry Scientific method Search engine Selective observation Subjectivity Value judgement Web site

Definitions for key terms are provided in the Glossary.

Main points

1. Relying on traditional or authoritarian beliefs or one's own experience can lead to false conclusions.
2. Science assumes that there is an orderly, objective reality apart from our perception of nature; that events occur within natural systems; that we can understand this reality; and that we can agree on what is real or true about natural processes.
3. Scientists rely on observation for establishing what is true; seek to establish truth on a universal level; subject all new research findings to intense criticism; try to be objective and honest in all aspects of their research; remain disinterested in how research results turn out; keep an open mind toward new knowledge; and are committed to sharing the results of research with the scientific community and the public.
4. Scientific inquiry can only be used to address questions for which data can be collected. Questions for which empirical answers cannot be obtained remain in the realm of philosophy or religion.
5. The research process generally follows a sequence of steps. The typical steps are: selection of the research question; review of the literature; development of a hypothesis (optional); preparation of the design for the collection and analysis of data; data collection; analysis and interpretation of the data; formulation of conclusions; and preparation of a report describing the entire project.

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