Scientific Method in the Social Sciences Intr

All sciences, including the natural, physical and social sciences, employ the scientific method to test hypotheses and prove theories. The methodÆs basic technique is called scientific observation, which is a precise systematic collection of data under controlled conditions by trained observers (Perry & Perry, 2003, p. 4). Scientific observation is intended to collect data under rigorously controlled conditions so scientists can determine the specific causes of specific results. Often in the social sciences researchers have trouble completely controlling the conditions in which any given experiment is conducted merely because it is hard to control people, especially if the experiment is conducted over a long period of time (Perry & Perry, 2003, p. 4). Nonetheless, the scientific method provides a means for all scientific researchers to follow similar protocols to ensure the uniformity of research processes and, therefore, some equivalence in the results.

Researchers using the scientific method begin by first selecting and defining the topic of research (Perry & Perry, 2003, p. 6). The researcher usually poses the topic in the form of a question and states whether she suspects any particular causal relationships to be revealed in the research. It is important for the researcher to state her suspicions so she can explain why she chose to include certain questions and/or variables i

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her hypothesis, she must design a research plan that specifies from which groups she will collect data and how that data will be collected. In the example provided, the researcher will probably have to choose at least four overarching groups to study: (1) immigrant parents, (2) the children of these immigrant parents, (3) native-born parents, and (4) the children of these native-born parents. The researcher in this case could probably choose to study only the children, but doing so could limit the credibility and reliability of the information about the parents, depending on where she obtained that information. That question leads to another design question the researcher must address: how to obtain research data. The researcher must decide whether to conduct interviews, assign questionnaires, perform direct observation, review statistical data collected by established organizations, or a combination of various methods. The researcher must also classify, organize, record and analyze the data collected from these methods. Finally, the researcher must conclude whether the data has supported or negated her hypothesis. Also, once the data is collected, the researcher must make it publicly available so others may verify her res
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