RESEARCH AND STATISTICS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCES

Research and Statistics for Social Sciences



Research and Statistics for Social Sciences

Research plays a vital role in the human services field. Utilizing research methods (such as the scientific method) assists human services professionals in making numerous informed decisions daily. This paper will provide a detailed description of the scientific method and the fundamentals of research by first defining the term 'scientific method' as well as by providing an explanation of how it relates to human services research. The steps in the process of scientific inquiry will be reviewed along with why each of these steps must be included to support the scientific method. A human services research example of the scientific method that identifies each of the steps involved in the process of scientific inquiry will also be provided. Likewise, the terms quantitative and qualitative research will be defined and an explanation of the manner in which they differ as well as relate to the human services field and the scientific method will be included along with specific examples of what sort of study is appropriate for each methodology and an explanation why (Creswell, 2003). The term mixed method research will then be defined and the strengths associated with this type of research method will be given as well as an example of when it is appropriate to apply mixed method research in the human services field. Lastly, a brief summary of the way in which scientifically sound research supports the function of a human services manager will also be provided (Towne & Shavelson, 2002).

Research and The Scientific Method are utilized quite frequently within the field of Psychology. Just like in any other field that requires research and experimentation in order to find results, conclusions, and theories. Psychologists use observational techniques in order to observe and to calculate human and sometimes animal behaviors to try and locate a reason, chain of events, or a theory for the manifestation of certain behaviors. A theory is a compilation of information that is separated into many pieces for the purpose of giving a better explanation of the compiled information in a clearer way. Like any other form of research, psychological research must meet the same set standards of research, which are as follows; research must be, Replicable or must be able to be repeated and come to the same conclusion numerous times, research must be Falsifiable which ...