Scientific Research Methods and Logical Reasoning Principles

Conditional Syllogisms

d) The conditional syllogism is one in which the major premise establishes a dependency between two categorical propositions. The minor premise affirms or denies one of the members, and the conclusion affirms or denies the other.

Consider the major premise: the proposition that depends on the other is called the antecedent or condition, which usually appears first. The part that depends on the antecedent, in both logic and grammar, is called the consequent or conditioned.

Observational Method

When we talk about the observational method, we refer not so much to the observation with which scientific research begins, but to one of the methods available to the scientist for testing their hypotheses. Though any verification of a scientific hypothesis (including experimental verification and correlation) implies some sort of observation, we generally speak of the observational verification method when trying to verify a hypothesis or collect data from reality without introducing any type of device or exercising control over the independent variables or subjects. We simply observe the behaviors that subjects perform spontaneously.

Experimental Method

This is an empirical method that uses experimentation. It requires laboratories and experimental designs. In these settings, the scientist manipulates a phenomenon (the fact considered the cause of the phenomena being studied) to observe the changes that such manipulation has on the phenomena they want to understand (to that extent, these are its effects).

• A reality that the scientist manipulates or controls is given the name "independent variable."
• The reality that is influenced by the former is the "dependent variable."

Research Problem

A problem is any piece of nature whose behavior seems atypical; consequently, we cannot understand it, or it is presented as an exception. A research problem can be a complex reality—a conflict, ignorance, curiosity, or a question whose answer is not in our pre-theoretical database and therefore cannot be explained.

Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a proposition that allows us to establish relationships between facts. Its value lies in the ability to establish relationships between facts and explain why they occur. Hypotheses are aimed at reaching a verification for two items that set a definite type of relationship.

Subjective Factor

This refers to the qualities of the researcher that affect the development of research, as well as a good knowledge of the matter under investigation.

The Problem of Induction

The problem of the inductive method is raised by the question of whether inductive evidence can be used to predict future events. Thus, the problem of induction arises from our inability to provide rational elements that can be used to explain something beyond the available evidence.