Chapter 2

Scientific Investigation

2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran

Hallmarks of Scientific Research:

Hallmarks or main distinguishing characteristics of scientific research:
Purposiveness / to have a purpose and objective. Rigor/ to be adequate. Testability/ to be testable and measurable. Replicability/ conformity. Precision and Condence / to be prcised and confident. Objectivity/ to be objective in dealing with scientific issues. Generalizability/ able to generalize results and findings. Parsimony/ scientific research to be reasonable.
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2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran

Hypothetico-Deductive Research
The Seven-Step Process in the Hypothetico-Deductive Method
Identify a broad problem area Define the problem statement Develop hypotheses Determine measures Data collection Data analysis Interpretation of data
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2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran

Deduction and Induction

Deductive reasoning: application of a general theory to a specific case. From general to specific.
Hypothesis testing

Inductive reasoning: a process where we observe specific phenomena and on this basis arrive at general conclusions. From specific to general.
Counting white swans

Both inductive and deductive processes are often used in research.

2009 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. www.wileyeurope.com/college/sekaran
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