Fundamental Research
By: Krista Dickinson
BSHS 382
Professor Michael Kreitler, MA
April 16th, 2014
This paper will explore the scientific method and incorporate how the research can be
used within the profession of human services. This paper will provide the scientific inquiry steps
as their importance is explained. An example on how human service professional would use the
scientific method will also be included. Qualitative and quantitative research will be briefly
discussed along with their differences and their relation to the human service field. Also included
in this paper is a research methodology for the two models along with an understanding of mixed
method research. The paper will also touch base on the understanding of how scientific research
supports the human service professionals' functions. Without further due, let's get started.
Scientific method is an investigation that employees the principles and empirical
processes in which the problem is identified. Data is gathers by observation, a hypothesis is
developed from the data, and then the hypotheses is tested and a conclusion to validate or modify
the hypothesis.
Scientific methods as the center of scientific inquiry serves as a framework for all
branches of science to assess their situations and to reach conclusions based on observation,
concepts, experiments, and analysis.
Scientific inquiry is a process that involves developing questions so that one can devise
answers. Researchers develop a hypothesis based on his or her observations of phenomena and
then design experiments to test them. Researchers then use technology to gather scientifically
fact-based information in a systematic way by examining the experimental evidence. Then the
interpretation of the data to prove if the hypothesis is true or not is completed. Scientific inquiry
requires the investigator or investigators to identify any personal assumptions taking into
consideration other possible explanations (ScienceBuddies, 2010). It is a process...