The document discusses the spiral of scientific method, which was proposed by S.R. Ranganathan to demonstrate that librarianship is a science. The spiral model describes the research process as cyclical, involving stages like observation, question formulation, hypothesis testing, data collection and analysis, and conclusion drawing. The spiral is divided into four quadrants representing different phases of the process: experiencing facts, induction and generalization, sublimation and generalization of laws, and education from fundamental laws. Using this model helps librarians conduct research to improve services, make better decisions, and continuously enhance practices through evaluation and changes informed by evidence.

1. WELCOME

2. “
”
SPIRAL OF SCIENTIFIC
METHOD
PRESENTED BY:- BARSHITA BHUKTA
DEPARTMENT OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

3. CONTENT
Introduction
Definition
Characteristics
Structure of the spiral
Work in the four quadrants
Advantages
Conclusion

4. SPIRAL OF SCIENTIFIC METHOD
INTRODUCTION
 To demonstrate that librarianship is a science S.R. Ranganathan (1892 -1972) in the second edition of his
classic five laws of library science (1957) added a chapter entitled “Spiral Of Scientific Method” to silence
or convince the sceptics of the scientific nature of library science discipline.
 It is an overview and visual presentation of the method of science which he says ,moves like a spiral.
 That is it moves clockwise in a circle yet keeps moving into new places.

5. DEFINITION
The “Spiral Of Scientific Method” in library science is a model used to describe the
research process and how it evolves over time.
It is a cyclical process that involves several stages, including observation, question
formulation, hypothesis testing, data collection and analysis, and conclusion
drawing.

6. CHARACTERISTICS
1. Identification of a research problem: This involves identifying a research question or problem that needs
to be investigated.
2. Literature review: A thorough review of existing literature is conducted to identify what has already been
studied and what gaps exist in the current knowledge.
3. Formulation of hypotheses: Based on the literature review, hypotheses are formulated that can be tested
through research.
4. Data collection: Data is collected through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, and
analysis of existing data.
5. Analysis of data: The collected data is analysed using statistical or other methods to test the hypotheses
and answer the research question.
6. Interpretation of results: The results of the data analysis are interpreted to draw conclusions and make
recommendations.
7. Dissemination of findings: The findings are disseminated through various channels, such as academic
publications, conferences, and presentations.
8. Reflection and refinement: The research process is a cyclical one, and the findings may lead to new
questions and areas for further research, which starts the process over again.

7. STRUCTURE OF THE SPIRAL
To show each sequential step and their movement the
spiral is divided into four quadrants by two lines
perpendicular to each other intersecting at the center. This
also results in four cardinal points.
 The spiral moves forward in clockwise direction.
 Lowest end of the vertical line is called nadir – literally
means the lowest point.
 Upper end of the vertical line is called Zenith –the
highest point.
 Left end of the horizontal line is called Ascendant i.e.,
going upwards.
 Right end of the horizontal line is called descendant –
means going downwards.
Four sections thus formed by the interesting lines are
called quadrants. First quadrant is on lower-left side (i.e.
South-West). Moving clockwise this way the fourth
quadrant is on the lower-right (i.e. South-East).

8. WORK IN THE FOUR QUADRANTS
The cycle implied in the spiral will be followed in the clockwise direction. the four cardinal
points of the cycle are denoted by Ranganathan by the terms Nadir, Ascendant, Zenith, and Descendant.
The quadrants have been numbered 1 to 4 respectively by Ranganathan as follows:
 Quadrant 1 is the one between Descendant and Nadir.
 Quadrant 2 is the one between Nadir and Ascendant.
 Quadrant 3 is the one between Ascendant and Zenith, and
 Quadrant 4 is the one between Zenith and Descendant

9. Quadrant 1: Experiencing Facts (Empirical Phase)
Quadrant 1 corresponds to the stage in the development of a subject in the universe of subjects, conforming to
scientific method in which:
 Primary senses are used either in their native state or with the aid of instruments of various intensity of
powerfulness;
 Observation are made of knowers, either with or without experimental interference and conditioning; and
 Facts are found.
 Quadrant 2: Induction and Generalization 1 (Hypothesis Phase)
Quadrant 2 corresponds to the stage in which:
 Intellect is used either by itself or aided by machinery constructed to speed up the work of the intellect and
to give relief to it in some measure;
 Reasoning is made with the aid of inductive logic including normal equations and statistical and some
other calculus to boil down the numerous facts accumulated at the nadir to a small number of inducted or
empirical laws;
 Inducted or empirical laws are formulated.

10. Quadrant 3: Sublimation and Generalisation 2 (Deductive Phase)
Quadrant 3 corresponds to the stage in which:
 Intuition of some intensity is used immediately by the primary senses or the intellect;
 The inducted or empirical laws stand boiled down to a very small number of fundamental laws.
 Fundamental laws are seized.
Quadrant 4: Education from Fundamental Laws (Verification Phase)
Quadrant 4 corresponds to the stage in which:
 Intellect is used either by itself or aided by machinery constructed to speed up the work of the intellect and
give relief to it in some measure;
 Reasoning is made with the aid of deductive logic including general semantics, and mathematical and
some other calculus to work out all the compelling implications of the fundamental laws;
 The deduced laws are derived;
 The derived deduced laws include one and all of the inducted empirical laws; and
 The number of deduced laws exceeds that of the empirical laws, if the fundamental laws had been seized
with intuition of adequate intensity

11. ADVANTAGES
 Improved understanding of users: By using the spiral of scientific method, librarians can conduct research
to better understand the needs and preferences of their users. This can help them to design services and
resources that are more user-centred and tailored to their users' needs.
 More effective services and resources: Through the spiral of scientific method, librarians can evaluate
their existing services and resources and identify areas for improvement. This can lead to the development
of more effective services and resources that better meet the needs of their users.
 Better decision-making: By using the spiral of scientific method, librarians can gather data and evidence
to inform their decision-making processes. This can help them to make more informed decisions about the
allocation of resources, the development of new services and resources, and the implementation of new
policies.
 Continuous improvement: The spiral of scientific method is a cyclical process, which means that it
encourages continuous improvement. By regularly evaluating their services and resources and making
changes based on the results of their research, librarians can continuously improve their practices and better
serve their users.

12. CONCLUSION
 It provides a practical model to teach the theory of research process.
The scientific method helps to organize thoughts and procedures so
that scientists can be confident the answers they find . scientist use
observation, hypotheses to make these conclusions. Spiral emphasizes
that science is a mode of study and investigation, rather any fixed area of
knowledge.

13. THANK YOU