Methodological Procedures and Scientific Progress

General Methodological Procedures

Analysis

The decomposition of a whole into its parts.

Summary

A composition or reduction of the whole from its parts. A physical or mental return to the compound from its elements.

Introduction: Special Cases to Generalizations

• Complete: Takes into account all particular things.
• Incomplete: Not all cases are considered.

Deduction

From a general statement, we arrive at the explanation of a particular case.

Reduction

A conditional, from least known to most known (if A, then B. Thus, if B, then A).

Explanation

Used in natural sciences. Aims to establish a link between two things by establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. It aims to link events and fix them into law.

Comprehension

A method related to human relationships, either individually or collectively. Used in social sciences. Cannot create a cause-and-effect relationship because it involves the will of the actor.

Scientific Progress

For scientific research to progress, the scientific community must agree on certain basic issues. Otherwise, every scientist would have their point of view, producing useless discussion. This set of assumptions provides the framework for work. It is something believed unconsciously, rarely discussed, or subjected to physical and material analysis, sometimes more metaphysical than physical (paradigm).

The disciplinary matrix is a set of fundamental assumptions, explicitly not providing a basis for specific hypotheses. It is learned indirectly, as the student is exposed to theories and assumptions built upon these assumptions.

Shared copies are successful research models. Copies are learned through osmosis by participating in research. Students follow the pattern of these specimens, internalizing it as a natural approach to any problem.

The paradigm has several effects. First, it frees the scientist to solve puzzles. If experiments fail, the failure is attributable to the scientist, not the science. Second, it draws boundaries within which science develops. Exceeding these limits risks criticism.