Exam 2: Scientific Investigation

According to Karl Popper it is not possible to 'prove' a hypothesis by means of induction,because no amount of evidence assures us that contrary evidence will not be found.

Simplicity in explaining the phenomena or problems that occur,and in generating solutions for the problems,is always preferred to complex research frameworks that consider an unmanageable number of factors.

Both theory generation (induction)and theory testing (deduction)are essential parts of the research process.

Hypothesis testing is inductive in nature because we test if a general theory is capable of explaining a particular problem.

Inductive processes are more often used in causal and quantitative studies,whereas deductive research processes are regularly used in exploratory and qualitative studies.

Confidence refers to the closeness of the findings to "reality" based on a sample.

Analyses of both quantitative and qualitative data can be done to determine if certain conjectures are substantiated.

Deduction is the process of drawing conclusions based on (an interpretation of)the results of data-analysis.

As in the hypothetico-deductive studies,hypotheses can be developed in case studies as well.

'Confidence',as a characteristic of scientific investigation,refers to:

An inductive investigation starts with an observation of empirical data.

A scientific hypothesis must be testable and falsifiable.

A deductive investigation is based on theoretically logical reasoning.

Action research involves in-depth,contextual analyses of similar situations in other organizations,where the nature and definition of the problem happen to be the same as experienced in the current situation.

A hypothesis is falsifiable if it is possible to disprove the hypothesis.

Parsimony refers to:

It is not always possible to meet all the hallmarks of science in full.Comparability,consistency,and wide generalizability are often difficult to obtain in research.

A researcher who observes individual phenomena,and on this basis attempts to arrive at general conclusions,works inductively.

Scientific investigation is characterized by a good theoretical base and a sound methodological design.These characteristics are both related to the of the investigation.

In the hypothetico-deductive method the formulation,foundation and testing of hypotheses play an important role.