Presented by,

S.ARUN JOSEPH.MPhil.D.L.I.S.University of Kerala.

Seminar on

Introduction Knowledge gained as a result of

everyday occurrences. Formulation of generalizations

based on first hand experience & the use of logical reasoning.

More efficient & effective approach to expand knowledge, Research.

Research – Systematic quest for knowledge.

17th century gave birth to

modern scientific movement. Francis Bacon planted the seed of

Scientific method. Reaching conclusions on the basis

of observed facts.

Newton, Galileo's, and their successors eventually combined the inductive and deductive thought processes.

The synthesis of reason and observation produced the modern scientific method of research.

The philosophy common to all research methods, although they may vary from one science to another.

“The Scientific method is one and same in all branches (of science) and that method is the method of

all logically trained minds…” ~ Karl Pearson

Scientific method is pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations.

Basic Postulates

Relies on empirical evidence. Utilizes relevant concepts. Committed to only objective

considerations. Presupposes ethical neutrality. Results into probabilistic

predictions.

Methodology is made known to all concerned for critical for critical scrutiny are for use in testing the conclusions through replication.

Aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories.

Steps of Scientific Method

o Identification & definition of the problem.

o Formulation of a hypothesis.o Implications of hypothesis

through deductive reasoning.

o Collection and analysis of evidence.

o Verification, rejection or modification of hypothesis.

Spiral of Scientific Method

Characterized by never ending spiral.

Conceptualized by Dr S.R. Rangananathan.

Helpful in the studies on the mode of development of subjects.

Four phases 1) Empirical Phase

2) Hypothesizing Phase

3) Deductive Phase

4) Verification Phase*Schematically represented in the following

figure

• Four cardinal points > Nadir, Ascendant, Zenith and Descendant.

Nadir ~ Accumulation of facts obtained by observation, experimentation,…

Ascendant ~ The accumulation of inducted or empirical laws got out of the facts accumulated at the Nadir

Zenith ~ The fundamental laws formulated with the aid of institution of some degree or other so as to comprehend all the inducted or empirical laws accumulated at the ascendant.

Descendant ~ The accumulation of the deducted laws got from the fundamental laws at the Zenith.

4 Cardinal Points > 4 Quadrants

Quadrant 1 – Between Descendant & Nadir

Quadrant 2 – Between Nadir & Ascendant

Quadrant 3 – Between Ascendant & Zenith

Quadrant 4 – Between Zenith & Descendant

Quadrant 1

Corresponds to the stage in the development of the domain of universe of knowledge,

confirming to scientific method. Primary senses are used Observations are made of knowees Progression towards concreteness

and regression from abstractness. Facts are found and recorded.

Quadrant 2

Corresponds to the stage in which:

Intellect is used Reasoning is made Regression from particularization &

progression towards generalization Regression from concreteness &

progression towards abstractness Inducted / Empirical laws are

formulated & recorded

Quadrant 3 Intuition of some intensity Inducted / empirical laws stand boiled

down to a very small number of fundamental laws.

Regression from particularization & progression towards ultimate generalization

Fundamental laws are seized & recorded

Quadrant 4

Intellect is used either by itself or aided

Reasoning is made with the aid of deductive logic

Progression towards concreteness and regression from abstractness

Deducted laws are derived and recorded

In the study entitled ‘Research on universe of subjects’, Prof. Neelameghan has underlined the usefulness of spiral of scientific method on the modes of formation of subject as :

Characterizes a discipline

on the basis of it’s method

of development rather than

on the basis of it’s subject

of study

Any discipline may adopt the scientific method in it’s development

Certain specific attributes of the different subjects become clear

Different models of the development of subjects may be formulated to help the prediction of likely developments in each of subjects

Facility for the prediction of the trend of development in a subject is variable to the classification and classifier in particular and the librarian in general

Spiral of Scientific method is open ended in nature

* Following table gives examples of grouping of subjects with the aid of spirals

Particulars Examples of examples

Completed one or more cycles in the spiral (i.e.: all the four quadrants)

Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, Education, History, Political Science, Law

Quadrants 1,2 &4 completed and the cycle likely to be completed in due to course

Applied sciences such as Engineering, Chemical technology, Animal husbandry, Sociology

Quadrants 3 & 4 alone Pure mathematics

Quadrants 4 & 1 alone Speculative discipline such as Religion and metaphysics

Quadrants 3 alone Mysticism, Fine arts, & Literature proper

Helpfulness of the spiral Characterizes a discipline on the

basis of it’s method of development Any discipline may adopt the

scientific method in it’s development

Certain specific attributes of the different subjects become clear

Different models of the development of subjects may be formulated to help the prediction of likely developments in each of the subjects or groups of them

Facility for the prediction of the trend of development in a subject is valuable to the classificationist and classifier in particular and the librarian in general.

References Busha, Charles.H., & Harter,

Stephen.P(1980). Research methods in Librarianship. New York: A Subsidiary of Harcourt Brace Jonanovich, 3-21.

Devarajan, G.(2011). Prolegomena to Research Methodology. New Delhi: Ess Ess publications, 20-24.

G.B Singh.(2011). Research Methodology: Advanced techniques and statistical methods. Jaipur: Paradise publishers, 86-106.

Lalgarg, Bhanwar, Agarwal, Sulochana., & Renu Kavida.(2002). An introduction to research methodology. Jaipur: RBSA publishers, 6-11.

Kothari, C.R. (2004). Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. New Delhi: New Age International (p) limited, 9-10.

Neelameghan,A.(1967). Research on Universe of subjects .Bangalore: Documentation research and training centre, 339-341.

Seghal, R.L(1998). Designing and evaluation of research in library science. New Delhi: Ess Ess publications, 5-8.