Module 1 presentation SCIENTIFIC Inquiry

presentation SCIENTIFIC Inquiry.

1. MPH/MSC, group one. January 2017, jimma PRESENTATION ON THE NATURE OF SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY . ( Module I) 1/21/2017 2:01:46 PM 1

2. List of group members Name Track Email Berhane kebede Nutrition [email protected] Mohammed Ahmed Epidemiology [email protected] Jalene Abebe Reproductive health Fetlework Tadelle Health Education Abity Asamnew Micro Biology [email protected] 1/21/2017 2:01:47 PM 2

3. Learning Objectives At the end of this session, participants should be able: To describe the major characteristics of scientific inquiry To illustrate the process of generating scientific theory To describe the major characteristics of health services research To describe the process of health services research 1/21/2017 2:01:47 PM 3

4. Outline Concepts of scientific inquiry Purpose of scientific theory and empiricism Process of theory generating Relationship between theory and research Health system research 1/21/2017 2:01:47 PM 4

5. Concepts of scientific inquiry The word science originates from Latin word scientia , which indicates "knowledge.“ Inquiry simply means request for information or help. Nobel Prize-winning chemist Sir Cyril Norman Hinshelwood described science as “an imaginative adventure of the mind seeking truth in a world of mystery.” 1/21/2017 2:01:47 PM 5

6. Scientific ... The different ways that scientists explore or seek truth in the world can be collectively described as scientific inquiry. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 6

7. Scientific Inquiry It is a process by which scientist test, refine and discover new ideas. At the heart of scientific inquiry are the process of questioning, asking what, why & how and searching for answers to these question. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 7

8. Scientific .... Scientific inquiry is multifaceted activity making observations posing questions examining books and other sources of information to see what is already known planning investigations 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 8

9. Scientific ....... reviewing what is already known in light of experimental evidence using tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data Proposing answers, explanations, and predictions; and communicating results. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 9

10. Characteristics of scientific inquiry It relies on empirical evidence; It utilizes relevant concepts; It is committed to only objective considerations; It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only adequate and correct statements about population objects; 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 10

11. Cont... It results into probabilistic predictions; Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny are for use in testing the conclusions through replication; It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 11

12. Cont ...... The most traditional model for conducting scientific inquiry is known as the scientific method. S cientific method is a systematic approach to solving a problem in science. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 12

13. Process of scientific method /inquiry 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 13

14. Assumption of scientific inquiry The fundamental assumption of scientific inquiry is that; Life is not totally Chaotic or random but has logical and persistent patterns of regularity= ‘ Positivism 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 14

15. Positivism. All sciences, physical, natural, social, or health are based on the fundamental assumption that there exists a persistent pattern or regularity in what is being studied. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 15

16. Positivism ... The fact that there are exceptions to regularity is insufficient evidence to overthrow the assumption that regularity exists in both physical and social phenomena, because scientific inquiry is concerned with the study of patterns rather than exceptions. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 16

17. Cont.. It is also important to know that a particular pattern may not always persist. In other words, regularity is not certainty. scientific ‘truth’ is based on observable evidence, but such evidence is always open to change through possible contradiction by new evidence. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 17

18. Cont... Thus, at some point a scientific preposition is accepted because it describes or interprets a recurring, observable event. But just because an event has occurred on several occasions is no guarantee that it will always recur. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 18

19. Cont... Scientific knowledge represents the best understanding that we have been able to produce thus far by means of current empirical evidence 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 19

20. P illars of scientific inquiry . E mpiricism Scientific theory 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 20

21. 1. Empiricism The most critical characteristic of scientific inquiry is that it is based on empiricism Empirical = experimental/observed Empirical evidence is the only means scientists use to corroborate, modify, or construct theories. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 21

22. Empiricism ..... Whether a question can be studied scientifically depends on whether it can be subjected to verifiable observations. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 22

23. Empiricism ..... C onsequences of empirical requirement of scientific inquiry include : Non empirical ways of acquiring knowledge cannot produce scientific evidence. 2. Empiricism in science implies that researchers focus on problems and issues that can be observed. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 23

24. Empiricism ..... 3. Empiricism means scientific inquiry cannot settle debates on values or beliefs. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 24

25. 2. Scientific theory In layman’s terms, if something is said to be “just a theory,” it usually means that it is a mere guess, or is unproved. It might even lack credibility. I n scientific terms , a theory implies that something has been proven and is generally accepted as being true. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 25

26. Theory Scientific theory : an explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and verified multiple times by an independent groups of researchers. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 26

27. Theory ..... Scientific inquiry generally works within the framework of scientific theories. The creation of theories is typically based on considerable supports /evidence. 1/21/2017 2:01:47 PM 27

28. Theory..... Since it is possible to have several theories that explain a given empirical regularity and make similar predictions, the confirmation of a prediction does not confirm that only one theory is correct. Scientific inquiry is directed toward testing and choosing from alternative theories . 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 28

29. The purpose of scientific theory To drive research hypothesis. To plan a research. Explain generalization and patterns of regularity. Predict phenomenon. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 29

30. Purpose...... Conceptualization of measures. Conceptualization the causal order and other forces that may be involved. Interpretation of the finding 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 30

31. Objectivity of scientific inquiry Scientists, like other people have their own values and often make value judgments. But, in terms of research, individual values may affect the validity of the inquiry and make the finding biased. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 31

32. Objectivity .... Even though researchers may holdback their personal values while conducting research, they are likely to be influenced by their scientific disciplines or paradigms. Biases may enter into selection of problems for study and the preference for certain research strategies. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 32

33. Objectivity .... Since empirical evidence is assumed to exist independent of researchers, it is important that researchers maintain ‘objectivity’ in their observations, uninfluenced by their personal feelings, conjectures, or preferences 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 33

34. Objectivity .... Different paradigms tend to espouse different values. They affect the types and scope of problems to research, the methods adopted and the ways to interpret the findings. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 34

35. Means to maximize objectivity Although difficult to generalize a research is free from value judgment, there are means to maximize objectivity: The concept of control : is to use procedures (either by design or by statistical modeling ) to exclude alternative explanations Peer review Replication 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 35

36. The process of theory construction Specify the topic Specify the assumptions Specify the range of phenomena Specify the major concepts and variables Specify the propositions, hypotheses and relationship Specify the theory 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 36

37. 1. Specify the topic The first step in theory verification and/or construction Existing theories and literature related to the topic should be identified and used as a guidance for determining the nature and scope of inquiry. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 37

38. 2. Specify the assumptions The second step in theory verification and/or construction. Assumption are suppositions that are not yet tested but considered as true Researchers should test their assumption when there is doubt. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 38

39. 3. Specify the range of phenomena Specify the range of phenomena the current research and existing theories address. Specification of the scope of the research. E.g., will the research and theories apply to people of the world or only to Ethiopians or only to Ethiopian children? 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 39

40. 4. Specify the major concepts and variables Concepts are mental image or perceptions. They may be difficult to observe directly, such as equity or ethics, or they may have referents that are easily observable, such as a hospital or a health centre 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 40

41. Concept... A concept that has a single, never-changing value is called a constant. A concept that has more than one measurable value is called a variable. A concept or variable may contain several categories, falling along a recognizable continuum, the variable age. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 41

42. Cont… Variables may be classified as Independent Dependent 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 42

43. 5. Specify the propositions, hypotheses, and relationships The fifth step is theory verification and/or construction is to specify the propositions, hypotheses and relationships among the variables 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 43

44. Cont.. Specification of the nature of the interrelationship b/n the variables is crucial. positive or negative(direction) symmetrical or asymmetrical (possibility of change in one variable if other is changed) linear or nonlinear(rate of change) Spurious, an intervening or suppressor variable(effect of confounders) 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 44

45. Cont.. Causal relationships Statistical significance Temporal r/ships Nonspuriousness Strength of association 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 45

46. Hypothesis ... A proposition is a statement about one or more concepts or variables. Just as concepts are the building blocks of propositions, propositions / Hypothesis are the building blocks of theories 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 46

47. Hypothesis... Depending upon their use in theory building, propositions have been given different names including hypotheses, empirical generalizations, constructs, axioms, postulates, and theories. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 47

48. Hypothesis ... A hypothesis is an expected but yet unconfirmed relationship between two or more variables. an idea put forward to explain certain facts, and which can be tested. a trial idea concerning the nature and connection of events 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 48

49. 6. Specify the theory The final step in theory verification and/ or construction is to specify the theory as applied to a particular phenomenon under investigation. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 49

50. The relationship between theory and research There is an intimate connection between theory and research. Theory provides guidance for research , research in turn verifies theory. This interactive process between theory and research contributes to the enrichment and development of scientific theories. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 50

51. Theory & research ....... Specifically, there are two components within this process: The deductive process: which emphasizes theory as a guidance for research The inductive process: which stresses research as impetus for theory 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 51

52. Theory & research ....... In the deductive process, hypotheses are derived from existing theories to provide guidance for further research. Indeed, scientific research is guided by accumulated scientific knowledge. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 52

53. Theory & research ....... In the inductive process, existing theories are corroborated or modified, and new theories are developed from research findings. The resulting, corroborated, modified, or reconstructed theories guide future research along similar fields of inquiry. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 53

54. What Research Is An organized, systematic , data based scientific and critical inquiry or investigation into a specific problem, undertaken with the objective of finding answers or solution to it. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 54

55. Types of research Applied vs. Fundamental/basic Quantitative vs. Qualitative Descriptive vs. Analytical Conceptual vs. Empirical One-time research or longitudinal research field-setting research or laboratory research or simulation research. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 55

56. Characteristics of research It demands a clear statement of the problem It requires clear objectives and plan It builds on existing data, using both positive and negative findings. New data should be systematically collected and analyzed to answer the original research objectives 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 56

57. Health research is the application of principles of research on health In most cases, health research has been divided into four overlapping groups Essential health research Clinical research Biomedical research Health Systems Research. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 57

58. Essential health research Consists of activities to define the health problems of a given country or community, to measure their importance and to assure the quality of activities to deal with them. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 58

59. Clinical research In its widest sense, this group of topics ranges from studies of the prevention and diagnosis of diseases through new methods of treatment to problems of care and rehabilitation. Examples include clinical trials of disease prevention and the design of new chemotherapeutic agents. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 59

60. Biomedical research It is the most important part of health research which demands more resources, facilities and skilled investigators. The results of biomedical research are more often of universal importance and thus of general significance. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 60

61. Health Systems Research(HSR) It is a component of health research. Research that supports health development has come to be known as Health Systems Research. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 61

62. HSR It is ultimately concerned with improving the health of a community, by enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system as an integral part of the overall process of socioeconomic development. 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 62

63. Essential feature of HSR HSR should focus on priority problems. It should be action oriented (i.e., aimed at developing solutions). An integrated multidisciplinary approach is required (research approaches from many disciplines). 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 63

64. Essential ..... The research should be participatory in nature (from policy makers to community members) Research must be timely. Emphasis should be placed on comparatively simple, short-term research designs that are likely to yield practical results(cost-effectiveness). 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 64

65. Essential ..... Results should be presented in formats most useful for administrators, decision makers and the community. Evaluation of the research undertaken 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 65

66. Process of HSR/any research Preparing a research proposal Fieldwork (i.e., data collection) Analyzing data and preparing a research report 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 66

67. References The health department of the Ethiopian Science and Technology Commission. in collaboration with the Ethiopian Public health Association and Regional health Bureaus,June,2005 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Research methodology ,lecture notes ,For Health Science Students Designing and conducting health systems research projects: volume 1 ,Proposal Development and Fieldwork KIT/IDRC 2003 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 67

68. References.. Various websites http://geology7a8a.wikispaces.com/file/view/The_Nature_of_Scientific_Inquiry%5B1%5D.ppt https://www.google.com.et/search?q=nature+of+scientific+inquiry(pdf)&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en http://www.slideshare.net/treelover/rmm-ppt http://www.indiana.edu/~koertge/NatSciInqText/NK%27Text-1.pdf 1/21/2017 2:01:48 PM 68

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