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What is Science?

What is Science?. Book # 1. Science is an Iterative Process?. Paradigm of Science. Operational Definitions. Replication. Assumptions of Science. There is a pattern to the universe - Reliability. We are accurately measuring that pattern - Validity.

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What is Science?

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  1. What is Science? Book # 1

  2. Science is an Iterative Process? Paradigm of Science Operational Definitions Replication

  3. Assumptions of Science • There is a pattern to the universe - Reliability • We are accurately measuring that pattern - Validity • These patterns are causally connected – Cause/Effect • Knowledge is superior to ignorance

  4. Assumptions of Science • There is a pattern to the universe - Reliability Click here to see more about matters such as the golden proportion - phi

  5. L.A. Times 8-26-03 Assumptions of Science • These patterns are causally connected – Cause/Effect

  6. Where Does Research Come From? I. Personal Characteristics and Interests • Humphreys - The Tea Room Trade • Becker - "On Becoming a Marijuana Smoker" II. Intellectual Socialization • Macro approaches - Functionalism vs. Conflict Theory (Structural Variables) • Micro approaches - Symbolic Interaction vs. Exchange (Interpersonal Variables) III. Institutional / Market Forces • Grants vs. Contracts (20% - 80%) • Public vs. Private (esp. the 1986 Tax Reform Act)

  7. The Basic Steps in Research 1. Determinethe Event of Interest – the Dependent Concept a. Find the Purpose (Explore, Explain or Predict) b. Understand the Time Frame (Cross-sectional vs. Longitudinal) c. State the Unit of Analysis (Macro vs. Micro) 2. Ask the Question – Developing the Independent Concept a. Determine the Sequence (Antecedent vs. Intervening) b. Developing the Causal System (Deductive vs. Inductive) 3. Research the Literature a. Journals (e.g. Infotrac or JStor) b. Periodicals (e.g. Lexus-Nexus) c. Books (e.g. Suncat or Melvyl) d. The Web (e.g. Yahoo or Google) e. Data Archives (e.g. The Census or ICPSR)

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