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.
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