Scientific method fundamentals in human services research

¶ … Scientific Method & Fundamentals of Research

Research is a crucial part of our lives, regardless of whether it is to find a cure for a disease, or simply write an essay. Even simple questions that a person wants answered can be keyed into the world wide web, found in a library, or even a bookstore, involves performing research. It is true there are a many scientific approaches one can use to test research and data, the scientific method is likely the most often used. It is still unclear how the scientific method was developed and originated, most scientists will are that contributors such as Galileo and van Leeuwenhoek were instrumental in its infancy.

There is little doubt that the scientific methods is one of the most commonly utilized approaches for solid research ventures. One might even say that the scientific method and research are as paramount to human life as the air we breathe.

One may ask the question, "How is the scientific method related to anything outside of science, let alone human services?" The answer to this is so clear that a young child can comprehend it. When many people think of science, they think of the natural sciences, such as biology, chemistry, geography, and the likes. However, the field of human services is also a science, a social science. That being said, we use the scientific method to answer questions about human services areas. The scientific method can help us understand anything from why minorities do not receive fair housing to why the prison population is filled with violent offenders.

Now we are aware of the scientific method being so instrumental in research, it begs the question, "What is this method and how exactly does on go about starting the process?" It may seem daunting at first, but once it is broken down into steps, it is quite simple. The first thing one must ask themselves when using this method is to ask the question or make a declaration about exactly what should be achieved. Then, the hard part comes; the research. After performing research on a given topic, one must develop a hypothesis or make an educated guess. Once the hypothesis or guess has been constructed, one must test the hypothesis to see if they are correct. The next step is to compile the data from the experiment and compare the end result. The final step is to determine if the hypothesis or educated guess was correct or not. If the info gathered is true, the experiment is finished. However, if the guess was wrong, the aforementioned steps must be repeated until one finds valid results.

Aside from the scientific method, many who work in the human services

profession use what is called "scientific inquiry." It discusses the variety of ways where scientists can study the natural occuring elements in the world and declare explanations based on the evidence gleaned from the work they have done. Scientific inquiry also refers to the ways students cultivate their knowledge and of scientific ideas, and their understanding of how scientists research and study the natural world" (National Research

Council, 2011). This method is crucial for the scientific method, as it aids the researcher in using gathered data that he has not quite formulated into an inquiry, and retrieve more information. For example, lets use a human services agency. Imagine they wanted to find out how a particular program might affect a community, they may inquire about potential outcomes. The first step is the agency propose the possible problem, then, they would make a single or multiple hypothesis about how literacy programs would be advantageous to the community. The human services agency will then test their hypothesis by implementing programs within the community to gather data on its effectiveness. A specific deadline would be set in place and after the deadline is reached, the agengy can decide whether or not the program they enacted made a positive change or not. Lastly, the agency will communicate their research findings via media outlets and repeat the steps if it worked, or stop and restart the process, if it did not.

The majority of the aforementioned info is an effective way to collect data and utilize information within the human services field. However, it is paramount that one determine the exact type of information they are searching for. By having precise knowledge of exactly what you are looking to retrieve, you are more likely to be effective in finding it during your research. There are two types: qualitative and quantitative.

According to University of Phoenix, Educational Research (2008) "Quantitative research is a type of educational research in which the researcher decides what to study, asks specific narrow questions; collects quantifiable data from participants; analyzes these numbers using statistics; and conducts the inquiry in an unbiased, objective manner," whereas "Qualitative research is a type of educational research in which the researcher relies on the views of participants; asks broad general questions; collects data consistently of words or text from participants; describes or analyzes these words or themes; and conducts the inquiry in a subjective biased manner." Researchers in the human services industry may choose either of the two types that adequately fits their individual situation. To give a more accurate example, a researcher who wishes to find ways to reduce crime rates in a particular neighborhood, the best study would be qualitative. However, if a researcher, lets say a mayor or politician wants to figure out an appropriate housing plan for a particular neighborhood, a quantitative research study would be most effective.