Research methods
Scientific Explanation
Prof Willie
Tan
Learning outcomes
You should be able to
Explain what is science and its aims
Explain what is scientific methodology
Contrast qualitative and quantitative approaches/philosophies
Figure out why scientists disagree
Identify the steps in the research process
Reference: Text, Ch 1
Science and its aims
Science = rigorous or systematic thinking
Aims of science
Explore, discover new ideas or facts
Predict
Interpret/understand
Core
Explain aims
Evaluate
Scientific methodologies (M)
Roughly, M=P+D+m
Philosophies of science (P)
Overall approach, i.e. causal or interpretive
Others (not popular, e.g. critical science)
Research designs (D)
Overall strategy to identify causes or interpret findings using survey, case
study, experiment, regression, comparison, etc
Methods (m), not to be confused with M
How to collect data using observations, interviews, questionnaires,
simulation, past records, etc
Causal and interpretive sciences
Causal (positivist) science Interpretive science
Reality Objective, i.e. “out there” and Subjective; “in actor’s head” and
independent of what we think depends on what we think
Purpose Find causes Discover viewpoints
How to do Test hypothesis Develop framework to discover
it viewpoints
Design Experiment, regression, Interpretive case study, survey
comparison, causal case study
Data Quantitative Qualitative
Data Good statistics Good stories (narratives)
analysis
Example 1: Causal science
What causes One Seaport building to tilt?
Hypothesis: Building was constructed with soil
improvement and without piles
Example 2: Interpretive science
A project failed, and we want the PM’s (John) perspective
Framework (i.e. seek his views on the following)
Owner issues
Project team issues
Scope issues
Design issues
Tender issues
Construction issues
Other issues
Example 3: Causal science
What explains differing suicide rates across countries?
Hypothesis: Causes of suicides
Unemployment rate
Religious beliefs
Strength of social network/support
Divorce rates
Extent of government support
Example 4: Interpretive science
What are the lived experiences of parents whose child committed
suicide?
Framework
Attempts to control the impact
Making sense of it
Social uneasiness (stigma, shame, self-blame)
Struggle to lead normal lives
Why scientists disagree
Disagree over interpretations and causes (next slide)
Methodology
Sampling issues
Weak design
Mismeasurement
Weak statistical techniques
Possible causes of poverty
Causes Explanation
Genetic Disability or born less intelligent
Psychological “Unsound mind”
Attitudes, habit Lazy, drugs
Functional Poverty is necessary to motivate others to work hard
Economic (market) Low productivity
Political Class exploitation, e.g. low pay
Structural Discrimination, e.g. race, gender, age
Social Weak social network, bad company
Environmental Poor geography, e.g. remote area
Globalization Cheap imports destroy our jobs
Research process
Scan for
Research question Literature review
topics
Design:
Experiment, Survey Hypothesis
Case study, Regression, or
Comparative framework
Methods: Data
Questionnaire/interview, collection
Observation, Data analysis
and
Secondary data, processing
Simulation
Conclude and
Publish
Key takeaways
We do good science to find causes or discover viewpoints
M = P + D + m = Approach + Strategy + Data
Scientists may not agree on causes, interpretations, and methodologies
Know the research process
