Exam: 11 May 2023
Scientific knowledge: Knowledge that is acquired in a systematic and methodical way that can be verified or checked.
Every day or pre-scientific knowledge: Non-scientific knowledge derived from every day or ordinary experience.
Reality: The whole of everything that exists.
Object of study: Any phenomenon that is studied or researched. The term ‘‘known object’’ is less frequently used.
Methods and techniques: Procedures that the scientist uses to gather and process information or data.
Questionnaire: A series of questions (also called items) about a single subject or a series of related issues that a respondent must answer. Questions can be used to measure aspects such as attitudes and opinions and for collecting biographical information. In a structured questionnaire the answer options are provided.
Gathering/collecting data: This step in the research process starts with a decision on what data gathering method and technique(s) will be used. The scientist is in search of valid knowledge and will therefore give preference to data gathering methods and techniques that will promote the validity and reliability of the research.
Processing research data: This concept refers to the analysis and interpretation of information that has been gathered. Questions asked are: To what extent does the information collected allow scientists to analyse the research object in order to describe it (analysis)? To what extent does the information collected reveal connections that allow scientist to understand and explain the research object (interpretation)?
Everyday world: The environment in which human beings associate with fellow human beings and the world.
Subjective idea of reality: A judgment or observation that is unreliable and does not correspond to reality.
Precise and systematic observations: The process(es) by which the scientist gathers information from the external or internal environment. The important role played by previous experience and priorities (preferences) is widely acknowledged. However, the specific definition of observation is determined by the scientist’s point of departure in terms of the philosophy of science.
Valid: A requirement that research acts (such as observation and the use of research techniques) and survey results (such as the processing of collected information and conclusions from analyses) must satisfy. Validity thus indicates: (i) that the scientist is not biased and that no chance errors have occurred; (ii) that there is correspondence or connection between the procedures carried out during the research process, the research results and the study object.
Reliable: The replicability (repeatability) of surveys and research results by other researchers in the same research situations using the same methods and techniques.
Verifiable: The degree to which scientific knowledge can be tested through the application of specific criteria in order to determine its veracity (truth), correctness, accuracy or validity.