Question

Define the scientific method of Sociological Research and describe each step of the scientific method.

Describe how you might use one of these steps as a student.

Answer 1

According to George Lundberg - scientific method is one that consists of organized scrutiny, arrangement, and understanding of data. The main difference between everyday overview and the scientific method is the level of formality, thoroughness, validity and the general rationality of the latter. It is an organized, step - by- step procedure. It offers a method through which researchers can find important data.

Features of Scientific Method

These are the features of scientific method

• first - Scientific method is non-imposable i.e. the main purpose of the method is to find facts as they actually are and not as they should be.
• Second - In this method some definite issues are dealt with and the investigation goes on till the time the felt problem is not solved
• Third - it is held that scientific method pursues a path of organized uncertainty and is always ready to reject any theory when demanded by the established evidences.
• Fourth - It is more specific about the uniformity of the method followed and not about the result that is expected to be obtained. Thus, scientific method claims reasoning.
• Fifth - scientific method tries to obtain confirmation and evidence which is made conceivable through the combinations of appropriate inspection and rational corroboration of the case.

It is important for students to understand the scientific method, so that while doing any sociological research their aim should be to find facts about the research through rational procedures and continue till they find it. they should also know to differentiate between facts, errors, and fiction.While doing any kind of sociological research, the students by using the applicable concepts, must rely on experimental proof and must be commitment to neutrality.