CHAPTER-II

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

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SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION
Scientific research focuses on solving problems and
pursues a step-by-step logical, organized, and
rigorous method to identify the problems, gather
data, analyse them, and draw valid conclusions
therefrom

Thus, scientific research is not based on hunches,

experience, and intuition (though these may play a
part in final decision making), but is purposive and
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rigorous
HALLMARKS OF SCINTIFIC INVESTIGATION
1. PURPOSIVENESS

2. RIGOR

3. TESTABILITY

4. REPLICABILITY

5. PRECISION AND CONFIDENCE

6. OBJECTIVITY

7. GENERALIZABILITY

8. PARSIMONY
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HALLMARKS CONTD….
• PURPOSIVENESS
Aim and objective of research project
• RIGOR
Carefulness, and the degree of exactitude /
accuracy in research investigations
• TESTABILITY
Statistical test of conclusion

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HALLMARKS CONTD….
• REPLICABILITY
Repeated under similar conditions by others
• PRECISION
Refers to the closeness of the findings to
reality based on a sample.
• CONFIDENCE
Level, probability of result within interval
100% ~ 95% - Acceptable
< 95%
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HALLMARKS CONT….
• OBJECTIVITY
Based on reasoning empirical data, not
subjective
• GENERALIZABILITY
Results or conclusions can be generalized
for use by others
• PARSIMONEY
Simple to handle variables, analysis and
interpret

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RESEARCH/PROBLEM SOLVING APPROACHES
• DEDUCTION
 Generalization of known facts /
theories
 Testing of Hypotheses/ Propositions
• INDUCTION
 Logically establish a general
proposition based on observed facts
 Creation of Hypotheses/ propositions
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HYPOTHETICO DEDUCTIVE METHOD - STEPS
1. Observation
2. Preliminary background Info gathering
3. Problem identification
4. Theory formulation
5. Hypothesizing
6. Data collection (evidences)
7. Data analysis
8. Deduction/ conclusion 8
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HYPOTHETICO DEDUCTIVE METHOD STEPS
1. Observation
2. Preliminary background Info gathering
3. Problem identification
4. Theory formulation
5. Hypothesizing
6. Data collection (evidences)
7. Data analysis
8. Deduction/ conclusion 10
STEPS CONT…
1. OBSERVATION
Observe certain changes are occurring, or that
some new behaviors, attitudes, and feelings
in environment/workplace/ employees / students
Examples ……
• Complaints / Job Satisfaction / Salary Issues / Supervisor
• Policies needing improvement
• Sales not picking up
• Training program effectiveness
• New information system not fully utilized
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STEPS CONT…

2. PRELIMINARY/BACKGROUND INFORMATION
GATHERING
- Problem area identification
- Interview and literature survey / review
Sources….

• Primary, secondary data sources

• Unstructured interview
• Background data
• Work attitudes and environment
• Literature survey
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STEPS CONT…
3. THEORY FORMULATION/THEORETICAL
FRAMEWORK
Identify variables and their relationship to the
problem

Steps Theory Formulation….

• Identify and label (naming) relevant variables
• Discuss relationship of variables to each other
• Indicate direction of relationship + or - , reasons for
relationship - literature survey
• Schematic diagram – Research Model
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STEPS CONT…
4. HYPOTHESIZING
From theoretical relationship of
variables certain testable hypotheses
can be generated
Hypotheses features…..
• A formal testable statement - Data
• Logically assumed relationship between variables as a
testable statement - Logic
• Theorized relationship of variables that can be scientifically
tested by analysis for clues to problem solution -
Hypothesis. There is positive relationship between promotion
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and job satisfaction level of the employees.
HYPOTHESES …. Examples

• Ifemployees are healthy they will take

leave less frequently
• Greater the stress in the job the lower
the job satisfaction
• There is a positive relationship between
age and job satisfaction

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STEPS CONT…

5. FURTHER DATA COLLECTION

Data needed to test the hypotheses
6. DATA ANALYSIS
Statistical analysis of data to see if it
supports the hypotheses
7. DEDUCTION / CONCLUSION
By interpretation of analysis of results

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HYPOTHETICO DEDUCTIVE METHOD STEPS
1. Observation
2. Preliminary background Info gathering
3. Problem identification
4. Theory formulation
5. Hypothesizing – Accept or Reject
6. Data collection (evidences)
7. Data analysis
8. Deduction/ conclusion 17
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