Scientific methods are systematic investigations aimed at developing general knowledge about natural phenomena, characterized by orderliness and reliance on empirical evidence. The methods involve several steps including defining the research problem, stating hypotheses, and analyzing data while acknowledging ethical implications and potential limitations such as human complexity and measurement challenges. Limitations also include difficulties in controlling external variables and confronting ethical dilemmas when involving human subjects.

1. SCIENTIFIC METHODS
OF RESEARCH
Dr. Jayesh V. Patidar
www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com

2. DEFINITION OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
Scientific methods are defined as controlled,
systematic investigations that are rooted in
objective reality & that aim to develop general
knowledge about natural phenomena.
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3. CHARACTERISTICS OF SCIENTIFIC
METHODS
They are orderly & systematic processes.
Scientists attempt to control external factors that are
not under direct investigation.
Their findings are based on the empirical evidences.
Findings of scientific methods can be generalized,
which means that they can be used in situations
other than the one under study.
Scientific methods are based on assumptions or
hypothesis.
They are basically conduced to develop or test
hypothesis.
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4. PURPOSES OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
The basic purposes of scientific methods are
description, exploration, explanation, prediction,
control, prescription, & identification of
relationship of the facts.
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5. STEPS OF SCIENTIFC METHODS
Selecting the topic & identifying the
research problem
Defining the objectives of the study.
Reviewing the literature from theory &
other related studies.
Defining concepts & variables to be
studied.
Stating hypothesis about expected
observations or phenomenon to be
studied.
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6. STEPS OF SCIENTIFC METHODS
Determining the ethical implication of the
proposed study.
Describing the research design & methods
for data collection.
Defining study population & sample.
Planning the data analysis & discussion.
Collecting data from subjects.
Analyzing &interpreting data.
Communicating finding of the study.
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7. LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
1. Moral or ethical problem
2. Human complexity
3. Measurement problems
4. External variable control problems
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8. LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
1. Moral or ethical problem
 Most nursing studies would require humans as the
subject of their research.
 The constraint of involving humans, which is
essential for observing human behavior for
experimentation, is one such ethical problem.
 Thus, reliable scientific data cannot always be
collected. 4/25/2016
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9. LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
2. Human complexity
 Human behavior is complicated, subtle & varied
 It is very difficult to categorize human behavior
 When human behavior is studied & analyzed by
other human beings, the personal biases come
into the picture & distort the analytical facts.
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10. LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
3. Measurement problems:
 Different aspects of human behavior are
psychological in nature, which cannot be
accurately measured.
 Human behavior is not uniform, certain, or
predictable.
 All the people do not behave in the same way in
similar circumstances.
 Therefore, with humans as subjects, 4/25/2016
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11. LIMITATIONS OF SCIENTIFIC METHODS
4. External variable control problems
 Scientific studies conducted on humans
may have a limitation of weak or no
control over external variables in scientific
activity.
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