Fundamental Principles of Scientific Classification and Research

Classification of Sciences

A. Factual and Formal

1. Factual Sciences

Interpret materials based on events and experiences. They require observation and/or experimentation, and verification is often incomplete or temporary. Examples include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Economics, and Sociology.

2. Formal Sciences

These are ideal concepts existing within the human mind that are demonstrable. They are analytical concepts deduced from postulates or theorems. Examples include Logic and Mathematics.

B. Natural and Social

1. Natural Sciences

These study the phenomena of nature or the environment. Examples include Chemistry, Physics, and Psychology.

2. Social Sciences

These address knowledge created by humans, whose characteristics vary depending on social culture and human behavior. They also include philosophical aspects such as Economics, Politics, and Sociology.

Science Features

1. Temporary: Science is never finished; it is constantly evolving and changing. Analysis is not permanent or final.
2. Open: Scientific activity and scientists are not subject to dogmas or prescriptions that must be accepted without question. The opposite attitude embraces change and accepts procedures and results regardless of whether they are positive.
3. Systematic: Knowledge is structured with intimate relationships between its components.
4. Specialized: While science is universal in a general sense, every science has its own particular field of study.
5. Accumulative: Science utilizes all knowledge achieved across all times and places, eliminating the need to continually reinvent its components.
6. Methodical: Scientific activity requires an orderly procedure for the search and methodical acquisition of knowledge by scientists.
7. Explanatory: It provides an explanation for any previously studied phenomenon, and this aggregation of knowledge makes it predictive, allowing for forecasting future outcomes.

The Research Process

The Latin word vestigium signifies "to keep track." Synonyms include exploring, inquiring, finding a detour, tracing, or running an errand to discover something.

Types of Research

• Vulgar Research: Conducted by people based on their own interest; it relies on intuition and is not planned.
• Scientific Research: Follows a procedure, involves pre-planning, and adheres to standards that lead to the completion of what is being sought.

Characteristics of Scientific Research

1. Being planned (systematic).
2. Having data collection instruments.
3. Being original.
4. Being objective.
5. Having a defined time frame.
6. Targeting numerical measures.
7. Providing verifiable results.