igate a problem.13 Theory also suggests the most productive approaches to the investigation of a problem. Lastly, theory summarizes what is already known about a problem.
The Scientific Method Derived From Natural Science
The scientific method derived from natural science is considered in the contexts of research design, data collection, and data analysis. A variety of valid approaches exists in each of these context areas.
Quantitative methods are used in three general ways in the conduct of scientific inquiry. These three ways are as follows:
1. Quantitative methods are used to describe events.14 Descriptive statistics describe the performance or activity of one group or class, without attempting to make generalizations about other groups or classes.
2. Quantitative methods are used to infer causes or future events.15 Inferential statistics permit the f
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