Read the following paragraph and answer the questions:
The term science may be thought of as an approach to the gathering of knowledge rather than as a field or subject matter. Science, put simply, consists of two primary functions: (1) the development of theory and (2) the testing of substantive hypotheses that are deduced from theory. The scientist, therefore, is engaged in the use, modification, and/or creation of theory. The scientist may emphasize an empirical approach in which data collection is the primary method, a rational approach in which logical and deductive reasoning is primary, or a combination of these approaches, which is most common. Regardless of the emphasis the scientist begins with a set of ideas that direct the effort and with a goal that entails the development or testing of theory.
By attempting to apply the rigorous, systematic observation analysis used in the physical and biological sciences to areas of social behavior, the social sciences have grown and have advanced humanity's knowledge of itself. The fields of anthropology, economics, education, political science, psychology, and social psychology have become recognized as sciences by many authorities. To the extent that these fields are founded on scientific methodology, they are sciences. Some reject this concept, still defining science in terms of subject matter rather than methodology. Historically their position can be readily explained. Because scientific methods were first used in the investigation of physical phenomena, tradition has identified science with the physical world. Only within the last century has the methodology of science been applied to the study of various areas of human behavior. Because these are newer areas of investigation, their results have not achieved the acceptance and status that come with the greater maturity and longer tradition of the physical sciences.
The uniformity of nature is a reasonable assumption in the world of physical objects and their characteristics, but in the area of social behavior such assumptions are not warranted. Human nature is much more complex than the sum of its many discrete elements, even if they could be isolated and identified. Because human nature is so complex, it is much more difficult to develop sound theories of human behavior than to predict occurrences in the physical world.
Analyzing Scientific Approach Options
The question asks to identify the statement that is CORRECT according to the provided paragraph about the nature of science.
Option 1 Analysis: Scientists use scientific approach for creation of new theories only
The paragraph states: "The scientist, therefore, is engaged in the use, modification, and/or creation of theory." This means scientists are involved in using existing theories, modifying them, and creating new ones. The option limits this to "creation... only," which is incorrect.
Option 2 Analysis: Commonly, scientists combine rational approach and empirical approach in scientific inquiry
The paragraph explicitly mentions: "The scientist may emphasize an empirical approach... a rational approach... or a combination of these approaches, which is most common." This directly supports the statement in Option 2.
Option 3 Analysis: Deductive reasoning is always primary in scientific approach
The paragraph states that a scientist may emphasize either an empirical approach or a rational approach (which involves logical and deductive reasoning). It does not state that deductive reasoning is *always* primary. The combination is also noted as most common.
Option 4 Analysis: Opting between empirical approach or deductive reasoning is mandatory in scientific inquiry
The paragraph explains that scientists *may* emphasize one approach or the other, or a combination. It does not suggest that choosing between them is mandatory. In fact, it highlights that a combination is "most common."
Conclusion on Correct Statement
Based on the direct text in the paragraph, the statement that scientists commonly combine rational and empirical approaches is the only one presented as accurate.
- Option 1 is incorrect because scientists use, modify, and create theories.
- Option 2 is correct as the paragraph states a combination is most common.
- Option 3 is incorrect because deductive reasoning is not always primary.
- Option 4 is incorrect because combining approaches is common and not mandatory to choose just one.
Important Questions from Scientific Method of research - Teaching
- Scientific Observations are based on ________.
- Arrange the steps of scientific research.
A. General research questions
B. Collection of data
C. Analysis of data
D. Review of related literature
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: - In phenomenology, consensus among persons about a perception relates to the concept of:
- Why prediction of human behaviour is not easy?
- Applying the approaches of gathering knowledge in physical and biological sciences to the social sciences:
