Scientific Method Ref: Vetenskaplig metod, R. Ejvegård, (2a upp.) Studentlitteratur 1996

Transcription

1 Scientific Method Contents Dissertation and research Choice of subject and statement of problem Scientific Methods Scientific Techniques Dissertation Layout Sources, Literature and Footnotes Seminar organisation Supervision Writing Rules and Language Literature List 1

2 Scientific Method Method Description Case Studies Classification Quantification Testing Hypotheses Constructing Theories Constructing Models Comparison Prediction Technique (data collection) Literature Search Surveys Survey Forms Interviews Critical use of Sources Content & Argument Analysis Statistics Reliability & Validity 2

3 Scientific Methods Description NOT easy! systematic method choice of what is important empirical technique categorisation of facts (possibly opinion) e.g. What is objectoriented programming? Case Studies a small view of the greater whole study ==> represent reality one work of a composer conclusions ==> indicators explanation / understanding e.g. What do students think of object-oriented programming? 3

4 Scientific Methods Classification classes / types must be reliable must be valid must be extensive category others - small must be mutually exclusive avoid empty classes (why?) e.g. What kinds of programming are there? Testing Hypotheses hypothesis = assumption X depends on Y verification (H ==> fact) falsification (show that) X does not depend on Y care required with data collection data interpretation e.g. OOP is a better technique than X. 4

5 Scientific Methods Constructing Theories fact ==> fact ==> fact ==> hypothesis Constructing Models development of a theory abstraction of reality simple detailed e.g a map (is a model) hypothesis current question e.g. Programming is a discipline e.g. the OO model. 5

6 Scientific Methods Comparison A versus B are A and B comparable? apples and pears! units must be standardised miles vs. kilometers basis for measurements? similarities / differences e.g. OOP vs functional programming. Prediction interpolation vs extrapolation e.g. weather forecasts uses models / statistics assumes a certain development continues as measured (linear etc.) e.g. OOP is more effective than X (in context Y) 6

7 Scientific Techniques Literature Search library / WWW keyword searching reference books bibliographies / databases reading abstract table of contents index (fact / name) resumé dissertation as a survey 7

8 Scientific Techniques Surveys survey goal? open questions What do you think of X? closed questions Which (a) (b) (c) yes / no / don t know survey size / time response frequency forms not returned questions not answered Interviews interview itself result processing immediately after! open questions (non-) leading questions confidentiality interviewers own position? biased / neutral? relaxed & friendly 8

9 Scientific Techniques Critical use of Sources are sources objective? authority of source refereed journal newspaper reliability of source primary / secondary sources relevance / freshness contemporary Content & Argument Analysis argument & thesis A => B => C => red thread objective well structured See also Weston A Rulebook for Arguments [Hackett 1992] 9

10 Scientific Techniques Statistics often used in science correlation measures sources (e.g. Government) on-line databases own from measurements apply appropriate techniques talk to a statistician!!! Reliability dependability of a measure / measuring instrument survey methods re-testing (in time) half and compare parallel surveys Validity measuring what is desired especially for comparisons what is the measure? 10

11 Scientific Techniques Creating measuring instruments surveys measurability intelligence / beauty frequency / size objectivity / subjectivity parameters & values Computer Science (my comments) objective measurable reproducible subjective (less used) surveys interviews descriptive comparison: A versus B hard versus soft science 11

12 Scientific Techniques Summary results affected by 1 problem formulation 2 choice of material 3 material affects method 4 method 5 method affects material other aspects time available resources available researcher s interest method 3 problem research result material 2 12