Question

objectivity is one of the characteristics of scientific research.explain how to test for it in each of the steps of the hypothetico deductive method(be clear and precise)?

Answer 1

Objectivity in simple terms means "based on facts from actual data, not based upon the emotional or subjective values". There are 7 steps in the Hypothetico deductive method with an explanation of the way to test the objectivity:

1. Observation - this is when a change in routine is sensed. But to further pass the objectivity test, the observation should be backed by the changing outputs as well.

2. Preliminary information-gathering - this is the collection of preliminary data to support the observation. The data should not be based on a qualitative survey of people's subjectivity or emotion. It should be a quantifiable data.

3. Theory formulation - this step involves the formulation of a problem statement or a general theory around the observation. The objectivity in this would mean defining a general set of objectives that need to be resolved or exact quantifiable and measurable goals to be achieved.

4. Hypothesis - the theory needs to be converted into a testable problem statement. The objectivity test relates to the hypothesis being logically framed including all the critical variables that are testable as well as falsifiable.

5. Further scientific data collection - the initial information gathering was for the theory formulation. The scientific data collection provides the needed objectivity to the hypothesis testing.

6. Data analysis - the data is statistically analyzed to realise the potential of the hypothesis. The objectivity lies in the data analysis itself.

7. Deduction - the deduction can be objectified by having a set process of arriving at the conclusion from the data analyzed. The process should take into account all the critical variables and their impact on the outcome.