The Art of Scientific Investigation: Expanding Knowledge, Solving Problems

RSCH4050 Midterm Project Essay Shaliyah Nick Johnson & Wales University 3 March 2024 RSCH4050 Midterm Project Essay Scientific Research Defined Research is a decision-making journey. In this case, scientific research is a methodical and or a very systematic investigation aimed at generating knowledge, testing the existing theories, or answering questions through observation, analysis and experimentation (O’Leary, 2021). What does this imply? It means that the scientific research revolves around systematic experimentation, investigation and analysis primarily conducted to expand human understanding of the natural world, validating the existing theories and or developing new theories (O’Leary, 2021). As a decision-making journey, scientific research involves consideration of several steps like identification of a research question as a starting point where the researcher defines what is to be investigated or discovered (O’Leary, 2021). The second step is the literature review, where the researcher reviews the existing studies and literatures related to the topic of study to understand the current state of knowledge and identify gaps or areas that need further exploration. Formulation of a hypothesis or hypotheses step involves exploration of available literature reviews and proposing explanation for a phenomenon. Experimental design/data collection step enable researchers design observations, experiments, or surveys to collect data that either supports or refutes the formulated hypothesis. The fifth step in scientific research is data analysis where the researcher analyzes the collected data using quantitative or qualitative methods to make logical conclusions. The following step is the interpretation of results which calls for researchers’ attention to the collected data to offer its interpretation in the context of the existing knowledge and discussion of the findings implications. Lastly the interpreted findings are published in scientific journals after a thorough peer review to evaluate the validity and significance of the study (O’Leary, 2021). Basically, one can conclude that scientific research aims at contributing to the understanding of a phenomena, advancing knowledge in various field as well as providing strong basis for informed decision-making. Scientific Research Social Goals Advancement of knowledge is among the major social goals that research contributes to. Basically, scientific research expands human understanding and knowledge through systematic investigation on a phenomenon and researchers contribute to cumulative body of knowledge in their respective fields and areas. Another social goal is problem solving whereby, most applied research address real-world problems and challenges thus improving societal conditions and quality of life. Informed-decision making is another social goal as research studies provide evidence for informed and logical decision-making in different fields (O’Leary, 2021). Such fields include but not limited to healthcare, public policy, and education. Most policy makers and practitioners rely on research-based findings to make choices that affect individuals and communities. To this effect, one can confirm that scientific research helps inform decisions that affect the society at large. Educating future generations is another crucial social goal as research studies provide basic academic curricula that help students learn about established methodologies, theories as well as some latest developments in their chosen fields (O’Leary, 2021). Scientific research fosters a culture of lifelong learning and inspires curiosity fueling education at all levels from lower class learners to higher education while encouraging critical thinking, creativity and problem solving. According to O’Leary (2021), scientific research also promotes collaboration and global cooperation since it transcends national boundaries enhancing cooperation and collaboration among researchers from different nations and cultures. Fortunately, such collaborations allow for sharing of knowledge, expertise and resources enhancing progress towards common goals in the research field. Another social goal or benefit is that scientific research helps in preserving cultural heritage. While considering anthropology, archeology and conservations science, researchers in such fields help preserve and protect cultural heritage sites, traditions and artifacts ensuring that such treasures are passed from one generation to the other. Lastly, fostering economic growth proves another strong goal as scientific discoveries drive economic growth through development of new industries, job creation and increase in productivity. Basically, innovations resulting from scientific research fuels entrepreneurship and contribute to development of new services and products. Research Topic Selection Process There are various ways of developing or selecting a research topic. However, it is imperative to note that practicability of a topic defines its potentials to ensure successful research. To this effect, selecting a research topic involves curiosity and creativity, exploring existing literature and looking for inspiration (O’Leary, 2021). A successful researcher must identify his or her interests and passion which enhances curiosity to explore on topics that genuinely engage such individuals. The individual’s ability to remain creative will significantly impact the quality of a topic to settle on in the long run. The other step in selecting a research topic is turning to literature. Exploring existing literature gives the researcher an opportunity to conduct a literature review to understand gaps, controversies or areas that need further study, clarification, and exploration in such a researcher’s field (O’Leary, 2021). It is important for the researchers to familiarize themselves with the existing research to have clear insights on what has been done and where potential opportunities lie for new contributions (O’Leary, 2021). Such knowledge can help advice the researcher accordingly on the topic to research about. On the contrary, if the researcher fails to establish the importance of turning into literature, he/she might end up selecting a topic that is irrelevant or does not respond to any relevant social issue affecting humans on their daily lives. Looking for inspiration to come up with a doable research topic is also important while selecting a viable research topic. Inspiration may be drawn from personal insights and experiences, an observation, contemporary or timely issues and identifying stake holders (O’Leary, 2021). When a researcher remains attuned to such a world, they get equipped with the most viable topic to address in their project. Brainstorming a list of potential research topics based on the researchers’ interests and the gaps identified in the literature proves beneficial in the selection of a viable research topic. It is imperative for the researcher to consider feasibility of each idea in terms of available resources, access to data and own expertise or skills before settling down on a topic. After getting varying options from inspiration and personal interest, the researcher should go ahead and narrow down the available options to settle on the most logical one. This step calls for the researchers’ ability to evaluate each potential topic based on criteria like relevance, novelty, feasibility, and significance of exploring such a topic. It is imperative to consider the scope of each issue as to whether it can be effectively addressed within the constraints like time, resources, and word count of the researcher’s project (O’Leary, 2021). After narrowing down options and settling on a specific option, the researcher should formulate a research question that will guide the investigation. It is imperative to have a clear, specific, meaningful, and open-ended research question to allow for exploration and analysis of the selected topic. Topic Selection and Social Benefits Problematic internet use and mental health (youth’s stress) Since this topic involves day-to-day human experiences, the need to explore the topic remains supported by a variety of reasons. One is because of the prevalence of online social networks noting that this issue has become integral to contemporary society as billions of humans worldwide engage in online platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram among others (Carr, 2020). To this effect, und