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Friday, January 19, 2024

Various research categories based on the techniques and goals of the study

 Research:

Research is an organised, creative work done to expand the body of knowledge. It entails gathering, analysing, and organising data to improve comprehension of a subject or problem. A study endeavour in the field can build on earlier findings.

Differentiating research endeavours based on their objectives and methodologies is what scientists refer to as a "difference in methods."

Types of Research:

Types of research are classified as:


Historical research

Descriptive research

Experimental research


First of all we discuss the historical research.

Historical research:

The use of historical sources and techniques in the field of educational research is known as historical research method. On the basis of the experiences of the past, historical research justifies itself when used to find out the solutions of the present day problems.

Qualities of historical research:

It is based on descriptions of observations which cannot be repeated.
 
It is responsible to be subjective.

In history,  logical process of analysis and deduction is enunciated.

Importance of historical research:

It fosters appreciation for excellent teachers and respect for rigorous scholarship.

The educator can date craze and ruffle thanks to the history of education.

The educational professional can better address current issues by taking into account the origins and development of education thanks to the history of the field.

Descriptive Research:

This type of research is also called normative survey research. It concerns itself with the situation in terms of conditions, practices, beliefs, process, relationships or trends is variously entitled as descriptive survey - status, normative or trend study or survey.

Qualities of descriptive research:

It is more interested in the traits of a sample or the entire population than it is in the traits of individual people.

This study gathers information from a sizable number of respondents.

Its scope is really broad.

Importance of descriptive research:

This kind of study aids in the exploration of current issues, the acquisition of historical perspectives via a sequence of cross-sectional images of comparable circumstances at various points in time, and the recommendation of a roadmap for next advances.

Many tools are developed, knowledge is advanced, and underlying concepts and data are provided from descriptive research that may be used to organise numerous other investigations.

Experimental Research:

Experimental research is defined as the explanation and analysis of what will be or what will occur, under carefully controlled conditions. It includes a hypothesis, a variable that can be operated by the researcher and variables that can be measured, calculated and compared.

Qualities of experimental research:

Independent variable manipulated by the researchers.

Through experimental study, scientists can move beyond mere description and interpretation, and instead try to identify the origin of effects.

The experimental research determined the type and scope of the treatment.

Importance of experimental research:

The capacity to carefully modify the relevant variables.

Generally speaking, data is devoid of bias and subjective interpretation.

Establishing relationships between causes and effects.

The experimental study permits precise control of independent and irrelevant factors.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Discuss the compulsory steps in the scientific method

 The scientific method is the approach used by scientists to ascertain facts and scientific truths. The required steps in the scientific process are as follows.

1. Realizing the problem

2. Defining the problem

3. Analysing the problem

4. Collecting data / information

5. Analysing the information

6. Framing hypothesis

7. Verifying the hypothesis

8. Finding the solution

9. Applying the solutions in the life situations.

1. Identify the problem:
The first step towards tackling the issue is the willingness to learn the truth about whatever is occurring from a scientific perspective. Readers are captivated by everything that occurs in nature, and they are curious to know the underlying reason and how it affects the ecosystem.
The students are in amazement. When employing the scientific method, the teacher's primary responsibility is to frame the idea as a problem and motivate the class to come up with shared answers.

2. Explain the problem:
Once the problem is clearly identified, it should be clearly defined in order for the problem to be resolved. This is the next step in the Science Path. Only after you have clearly defined the problem, is it possible to devise ways to solve the problem.
Students themselves can find and write clear meanings using appropriate words with the help of the teacher. The appropriate description can be selected from them.

3. Problem analysis:
This is the third step in the Science process that separates and organizes the problem and its components. The reader should analyze the problem in sections to get the details of each section in order to understand the actual magnitude of the problem.

4. Collecting data / information:
Designing Techniques using available resources and problem-solving techniques and collecting data appropriately is an important step in the scientific process. Problem-related data can be collected in the following ways:

1. Collection of data through observation
2. Collection of data through experiments
3. Collection of data by surveying literature

5. Analysing the information:
The process of analysing gathered data helps students adopt a more scientific outlook. Gathering data may highlight the problem's diversity and originality as well as its many aspects. The creation of the hypothesis is only possible on the basis of information analysis. This strategy may be used to eliminate the unnecessary information and data. In order to help the student analyse information, the instructor should provide it. Through this method, learners may strengthen their abilities in categorization and comparison.

6. Framing hypothesis:
This crucial step in the logical strategy is known as the plan of speculation or conditional arrangements (Framing theory). Based on sorting and accumulating data according to similarities and differences, one might make speculative arrangements by looking at various pieces of information. Accordingly, a variety of temporary solutions to the problem can be obtained. We refer to them as theories. There is no theory that can fully explain a problem. There will be one that makes sense in response to the question. Exams or perception-based information can be used to prompt understudies to make educated guesses.

7. Verifying the hypothesis:
Evaluation of hypothesis or verification of hypothesis is essential to find out the appropriate one which is most likely to be correct. On the basis of hypotheses, further data collected through the repeated experiments are analyzed and the most appropriate hypothesis need be selected. The tentative solutions may be discarded when there is lack of validity and experimental proof.

8. Finding the solution:
A hypothesis should be tested in a variety of circumstances, and a reasonable conjecture should be selected based on the results of the tests and investigations. Suggestions that have been verified and chosen are repeatedly tested. It usually becomes the final solution to the problem and is proclaimed as the result based on its consistency.

9. Applying the solutions in the life situations:
The determined outcomes should be summed up. The summed up outcome can be used at whatever point the circumstances happened the same. The student can apply something similar or comparable kind of techniques for critical thinking.

The scientific method as an empirical method of acquiring knowledge

 Many researchers have addressed the scientific method as a widely acknowledged means of addressing issues within the fields of science and social science.

Keyes claims that while there are significant differences, the social and environmental sciences have concepts of the scientific method that are similar in several ways. Learners were asked to evaluate a variety of scientific explanations from textbooks in the natural ("hard") sciences with those found in their social science textbook.

While some definitions include a detailed description of each stage or procedure, others just give an overview of the procedure.

Consider the following definitions in the light of different disciplines.

The scientific method is a logical, systematic process that includes obtaining data, developing and testing hypotheses, and proposing ideas. Wicander & Monroe, referenced in Keyes, described it as such in their book on geology. In their book on chemistry, McMurry & Fay described it as "the scientific method, wherein scientific questions must be asked and experiments must be conducted to find their answers." within the biological context. Conventional wisdom on the scientific process states that observations generate hypotheses, which in turn provide predictions that may be tested empirically.

In the psychological point of view “The scientific method refers to a set of assumptions, attitudes, and procedures that guide researchers in creating questions to investigate, in generating evidence, and drawing conclusions. Whereas in the context of sociology the scientific method is an approach to data collection that relies on two assumptions:

i. Knowledge about the world is acquired through observation

ii. The truth of the knowledge is confirmed by verification that is, by others making the same observations.

With noteworthy practitioners in earlier ages, the scientific method is an empirical approach to information acquisition that has marked the evolution of science since at least the 17th century. Since cognitive presumptions can skew how one understands an observation, it requires thorough observation and robust scepticism about what is observed. On the basis of these observations, hypotheses are developed via induction; these hypotheses are then tested experimentally and by measurement; the conclusions reached from the experiments are either refined or rejected. These are not a set of precise procedures that apply to every scientific endeavour; rather, they represent the tenets of the scientific process.

Scientific method is an approach to seeking knowledge that involves forming and testing a hypothesis. Scientific method provides a logical, systematic way to answer questions and removes subjectivity by requiring each answer to be authenticated with objective evidence that can be reproduced.

Scientists have also adopted some specific procedures and thereby contributed to scientific inventions. The procedure adopted by the scientists to find out the facts and scientific truths is called 'Scientific Method'. It is evident that if the scientific method is followed by the teachers and students in the classroom, the teaching- learning process would be effective.

Acquiring more awareness of knowledge acquisition often starts with a better comprehension of the scientific process. As many scientists and science educators do not fully comprehend the scientific method's components up to the point of application, McPherson (2001) contends that the lack of knowledge about it is more widespread than is often acknowledged. The number of stages in the scientific method varies throughout scientists and researchers. The objectives of this unit's explanation of the steps are to enable students to exercise control over the process when applying the approach to address science and social science problems.


Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Determine a reliable source for knowledge, perception or reason

 The need to learn is innate in human nature, yet there is ongoing discussion over the best ways to do so. In essence, views, ideas, or opinions that are supported by reasoned evidence and therefore elevated to the status of knowledge are known as knowledge. For instance, all accepted scientific theories were previously only theories in the minds of scientists who attempted to support them with reasoning. Eventually, these scientists were able to demonstrate the validity of their beliefs, which are today accepted as knowledge and scientific theories. First, it must be demonstrated how reason and perception affect knowledge in order to determine whether source of information is trustworthy—perception or reason.

On the other hand, perception is the sense or form in which individuals view existence; it is the only manner in which they can comprehend and accept the meaning of life and its purpose. Reason is entirely founded on logic, which is then developed into knowledge. Based on reason, everything may be demonstrated to be correct or wrong. Due to its capacity to rationally support and assess knowledge via a precise procedure, reason is one of the most trustworthy and significant sources of information.

The ability to reason is a fundamental cognitive process that facilitates the acquisition of collective knowledge. This is shown by the scientific method, a line of inquiry that facilitates the formulation and testing of scientific hypotheses and has helped produce a number of theories that have advanced civilization.

People cannot even recognise their own sensations if they are not given a rationale; everything always has a precursor before becoming a perception. Since reason is founded on logical evidence that finally yields knowledge, reason is seen as a more trustworthy source. But humans might be misled by perception to believe things that aren't always true.

In other hands, sometimes perception can be made by reasons already proved and given. Sometimes some reasons about something like a criminal intent gives perception of what is right and what is wrong which still means that reasons were reliable that made reliable perceptions.

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Methods used as a tool of acquiring Knowledge

 Human knowledge works at two levels.

 

 

At the primary level it functions as the basis of useful human activities, as when a teacher solves mathematical problems for the students or as when a doctor uses his knowledge to cure diseases. At the secondary level knowledge is employed to obtain increments in the existing knowledge. The activity that produces this new knowledge is known as research.





All research is an advance on existing frontiers of knowledge. It takes us beyond the frontiers of present knowledge. Both breaking fresh ground and improving existing knowledge are the proper functions of research.

The activity that produces this new knowledge is known as research. All research is an advance on existing frontiers of knowledge. It takes us beyond the borders of present knowledge. Both are breaking fresh ground and improving existing knowledge and the proper functions of research.

However, the research enhances to the existing knowledge in an orderly way. This tidiness is to be particularly emphasized. Mere aimless and confused assemblage for new knowledge does not stand for research. The knowledge which accrues from research is verified and verifiable by anybody who may like to do so. The process by which it has been resultant is replicable i.e. it can be repeated and the stated results confirmed.

However, people have always tried to discuss, understand, clarify and control the things and events around them. Sense perception, authority, reason, assumption, metaphysics, magic, expert opinion, tradition, personal experience and science are among the system that have been used to get the knowledge.

Sense Perception:

Sense perception was most likely the first method of understanding the surroundings. Empir ica l knowledge refers to information obtained by the senses, and empiricists think that our senses are the fundamental source of all knowledge. A connected series of notions that help people make sense of a disorderly environment and perform more successfully in it can be defined as sense perception. Although the judgments of sensory perception have been and can be valuable, they can also be incorrect.

There are several types of senses that we have:

 

ü  Sight, sound, touch, and taste are the objective senses that tell us about the world.

 

ü  The visceral senses, which are located in our mouths and guts, provide us with the sensation of stomach pain.

 

ü  The proprioceptive senses, which are located in our muscles that provide informa tio n about paw.

 

The initial understanding of the environment possibly came through sense perception. It ranges from experiences and practical judgments in everyday life. The sense perception may be defined as a connected series of concepts that help people to make sense out of a chaotic environment and to function more effectively in it. Although sense perception conclusions have been and can be valuable, let they can be wrong. For example, initial observations of the learning process by psychologists and educators led to the sense perception conclusion that exercise enhances learning i.e. “practice makes perfect”. Observations of highly skilled individuals such as musicians and artists who practice a great deal to perfect their abilities, possibly contributed to this belief. As a result, students have been repeatedly asked to recite the alphabet and multiplication tables and to complete large homework assignments. We can quote here the renowned theorist. In Daily Life Sensations and perceptions shape the way humans see the world. The ability to take in informa tio n from and process reality it in meaningful ways allows people to form a worldview that helps them to understand life and make wise decisions .

 

Reason:

The process of employing known facts to arrive at new facts is called as reasoning. Reason can

assist us in arriving at new facts or information in this way.

There are two types of reasoning: deduction and induction. Deduction is a type of reasoning commonly used in mathematics, and it is the more certain of the two because it includes extracting accurate conclusions from previously known facts. Induction is more common in science and is less clear because it entails going from a few things you've noticed to making broad statements about everything.

Authority:

People typically seek information from an authority, that is, someone who has had experience with the subject or has some other source of skill, for things that are difficult or impossible to know via personal experience. The word of acknowledged authority is taken as gospel.

When a crisis occurs due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as a storm, calamity, or conflict, man frequently finds tradition insufficient. He usually emerges from his self-approval and seeks out new and improved ways of behaving. People used to believe that an authority was proper simply because of the position he or she had, such as king, chief, or high priest. Authority is a convenient and quick source of information.





However, authority has drawbacks as a source of knowledge that you must consider. To begin with, authorities can be mistaken. People frequently claim to be experts in an area when they lack the necessary expertise to back up their claims. Second, you may discover that authorities disagree on subjects, showing that their authoritative assertions are frequently more personal opinions than facts.

Rationality:

Rationalism is a belief system in which knowledge is attained via reason rather than through direct experience with the universe. It's also known as metaphysics. It is a national method to understanding the ultimate event and reality. It is concerned with the causes and principles of existent things rather than with personal experience. Rationalism considers human reason to be the only reliable source of information. Rationalists do not believe that religion or experience are required to confirm knowledge.

Magic:

Magic is used to gain knowledge, power, love, or fortune in order to heal illness or danger, boost productivity or success in an attempt to hurt an opponent, reveal information, persuade spiritua l transformation, trick, or entertain. Magic is divided into two categories. One is contagious, while the other is imitative magic. In imitative magic, people try to reproduce a desired effect by emulating it. Contagious magic, on the other hand, is based on links between objects or events.

Scientific Method:

The scientific approach is generally described as a method of gaining knowledge in which investigators move consistently from their observations to hypothesis and then deducible from the 



hypothesis to the logical implications of the hypothesis. They deduce the results that would follow if a hypothesized relationship were correct. If the deduced suggestions are agreeable with the organized body of accepted knowledge, researchers then further test them by gathering observed data. On the basis of evidence, they except or reject the hypothesis. Observed facts are used to generate theories or hypotheses that are compatible with those facts in induction. Similar ly, specific suggestions are derived from a theory in deduction. Sometimes, both inductive and deductive methods are used to get knowledge.

Expert opinion:

Sometimes in search of knowledge one can take the testament of experts who, because of their training, intellect, expert experience or abilities, are better informed than other people. Associates and discussions with experts are also helpful to get knowledge. The participation of researchers in seminars, conferences, workshops and listening to the learned specialists are very helpful in getting knowledge and locating research problems. However, an effort must be made to find out whether the specialists are recognized by other authorities in the ground and whether they are in a position to-know the evidences about the particular problems under consideration.



Friday, January 6, 2023

Fully funded medical PhD with integrated study, University of Edinburgh, UK, 2023–2024

 The Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow have joined forces to create the MRC Doctoral Training Programme (DTP) in Precision Medicine.


Precision medicine is a revolutionary method of treating and preventing disease that focuses on figuring out which treatment plan would work best for which individuals depending on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle characteristics. It simply refers to providing the appropriate care to the appropriate patient at the appropriate time. To do this, it combines evidence from cutting-edge data on a variety of clinical samples with each person's genomes, e-record, imaging, and other data-rich -omic factors to facilitate discovery and customised treatments.

The demand for training the next generation of scientists to excel in cutting-edge analysis of genetic and genomic data as well as developing and applying analytical approaches to provide evidence for bettering health and wellbeing is enormous. Our goal is to develop the next generation of research leaders who are knowledgeable in biomedical technology and informatics-based methodologies and are capable of deciphering disease processes and developing novel treatments. We want to prepare these researchers to fully utilise precision medicine.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2023/24 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2024/25 academic year will be published on 2 October 2023.

Scholarships and funding

Successful applicants who meet all necessary eligibility requirements will receive a fully funded studentship including:


Payment of annual tuition fees.

Stipend for each of the 4 years of the PhD (based on UKRI minimum doctoral rate).

Research Training Support Grant of 5K per annum.

Annual Travel Grant of £300.

More information: Official Website HERE.

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Senior Research Specialist I at Princeton University's School of Public and International Affairs

Reference Number/Requisition: 2022-15249


Job Type: Full-Time


Weekly Hours: 36.25


Benefits Eligible: Yes


Probationary Period: 180 days


The Julis-Rabinowitz Center for Public Policy and Finance, housed in Princeton's School of Public and International Affairs and led by Professor Atif Mian, encourages study and instruction in the fields of macroeconomics, finance, and policy.


Overview of the Job: The present position is typical for graduating seniors or master's degree holders who want to pursue a Ph.D. in Economics or Finance. Top Ph.D. schools, including as Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Northwestern, London School of Economics, NYU, Barcelona GSE, and the University of Maryland, have admitted prior research experts.


Normally, after the first year, this job is renewed for two more years. Starting in the summer of 2023 are those who are selected as candidates. Currently hiring in Princeton, New Jersey for this role.


Required credentials (Essential)


1. BA or BS in math, economics, computer science, or a closely related subject (e.g., public policy, with significant coursework in economics, mathematics, statistics, and programming)

2. Solid background in STATA and R statistical programming

3. Outstanding empirical, analytical, and writing abilities as evidenced by independent work (e.g., undergraduate thesis, course paper, independent research)

4. Exhibited enthusiasm for empirical social science


Additional preferred criteria


1. Solid R, Python, Julia, and Matlab knowledge

2. LaTex and Unix/Linux expertise

3. It is preferable to be familiar with common social science data sources, Internet technologies, and HTML.


Procedure for Application


The following materials should be uploaded as ONE PDF by candidates. Upload the file to the online application's "Other Documents" section.


1. Updated CV and cover letter

List three references 2.

3. Copies of all academic records from the past

4. A finance or economics research article (for example: thesis, course paper, etc.)

5. A piece of code (ideally for the same paper)


Estimated End Date of Appointment: 5/31/2024


Application deadline is April 30, 2023



Quick Overview

Type: Postdoctoral , Scientist , Research Associate
Organization: USA: Princeton University
Location: United States
Eligibility: Masters
More Info: Visit Website


Various research categories based on the techniques and goals of the study

 Research: Research is an organised, creative work done to expand the body of knowledge. It entails gathering, analysing, and organising dat...