Research as a Scientific Way of Knowing

Submitted to: Dr. Ilyas Khan

Submitted by: Komal Zahra

Department of Archaeology
Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
2021
 Research as a Scientific Way of Knowing

Summary
Various events in our surroundings gave greater value to our knowledge. Research in social
sciences point up the sources of knowledge those include, experiencing through our senses,
using logical reasoning which can be inductive or deductive. Inductive reasoning aims at
developing a theory (specific to general) while deductive reasoning aims at testing an existing
theory (general to specific).Authority is another source through which knowledge is acquired
i.e statements given by authoritative figures those includes parents, professors, government,
religious scholars. But these sources do have some limitations, cannot be valid in all
circumstances. Use of these sources in a systematic and organized way leads towards research
i.e creation of new knowledge. During research, through our experience and observation, we
set our focus of investigation which leads to research questions. Likewise, research in social
sciences is also the systematic investigation concerning social aspects.

Knowledge acquired through a scientific method is an additional source of knowledge

considered more valid. Scientific method is the most structured way to begin with the
formulation of research questions/hypothesis/objectives in view of our observations then
setting our research plans which includes data collection and analysis then leads to conclusion.
Scientific methods allow researchers to test the theories and subject them to open debate and
modifications. Moreover, scientific methods must have four characteristics i.e replicability
which states that scientific research can be replicated or repeated so that one may obtain a
similar results. Falsifiability states that a theory must be stated in a way that it can be
challenged. Precision states that theoretical concepts must be explained with precision.
Parsimony states that one should be careful while claiming. Researcher should not go beyond
the limits and accept the simplest and logical explanation.