Exploring Scientific Methods: Axiomatic, Experimental, and More
Classified in Psychology and Sociology
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Specific Methods
Axiomatic Method (Formal Sciences)
Responsible for forms (e.g., 2 + 2), consisting of symbols and conjunctions.
An axiom is a fundamental truth that cannot be doubted.
A theorem is a truth deduced through axioms.
Rules: Modes of operation.
Axiomatic System Characteristics:
- Independence: Cannot be inferred or proven from another axiom.
- Consistency: Deriving something and its opposite from an axiom is not possible. It must be demonstrated.
- Completeness or Decidability: Whether a statement is an axiom or a theorem; true or false.
Experimental Method
Based on experience and used as criteria to validate conclusions through experimental verification. Characterized by the degree of control that allows manipulation and treatment of situational factors.
Steps:
- Careful observation and measurement; isolate and define the problem.
- Adoption of a hypothesis.
- Justification of results.
- Development of theories.
Descriptive Method
Seeks to find facts and interpret them correctly, describing and assessing characteristics of a situation. This method manifests in several ways:
Observational Methods:
Gathering reports on events in a given situation.
Surveys:
Subjects deliberately provide information about themselves.
Case Studies:
Comprehensive information and analysis of a subject's status, considered individually with respect to certain phases or aspects, or specific concretions of a phenomenon.
Content Analysis:
A set of techniques to determine characteristics of verbal communication, such as vocabulary level in a book, distinguishing aspects of literary styles.
These methods can be used independently or in conjunction with the experimental method.
Historical Method
Understanding and interpreting past events. Seeks to know concrete existence through understanding, discovering past experiences, and reliving what happened. The starting point is data collection about a problem, followed by review and evaluation. Authenticity is verified, and the value and accuracy of data are questioned. This is called internal criticism or internal evaluation. Finally, an interpretation is given, forming explanatory statements ordered in a harmonious whole.