Classification of the scientific method

A method is a way of achieving a goal, defines how an activity is organized. As a means of cognition, it is the way used to reflect, in thought, the object of study. In methodology, the classification of the scientific method is divided into two: empirical and theoretical. Both are based on mathematical-statistical methods (1).

For its part, Empirical methods are used to discover and accumulate a set of facts and data as a basis for verifying the hypothesis, answering scientific research questions, obtaining arguments to defend an idea or following a thematic guide. However, they are not enough to delve into the essential relationships that occur in pedagogical processes.

They are rational methods those that make it possible to systematize and analyze the results obtained with empirical methods. Thus, these methods allow us to reach conclusions in relation to the solution of the scientific problem. Meanwhile, empirics provide the clues for the elaboration of theories through rational methods (1).

The classification of the scientific method: rational methods

Rational methods are classified according to the purpose to which they are oriented in research.. Some of these are (1):

Analytical-synthetic method

The analytical-synthetic method, as its name indicates, refers to the analysis and synthesis processes. Analysis is a logical procedure that makes it possible to mentally decompose a whole into its parts and qualities, into its multiple relationships, properties and components.

On the contrary, The synthesis is established by the union or combination of the parts previously analyzed. Thus, it makes it possible to discover relationships and general characteristics between the elements of reality.

Analysis and synthesis function as a kind of dialectical unit in this method. In the investigation, one or another procedure may predominate depending on the stage of the investigation in which we find ourselves. Thus, the most common thing is that this method is used for searching and processing information.

Inductive-deductive method

Mostly, This method presents two inverse procedures: induction and deduction. Induction is a form of reasoning in which we go from knowledge of particular cases to more general knowledge. This knowledge reflects what individual phenomena have in common.

The basis of induction is the repetition of facts and phenomena of reality. It was Francis Bacon who first proposed induction as a method of acquiring knowledge. The philosopher stated that, if we want to obtain knowledge, it is necessary that we observe nature. With this, we will have to gather data and make generalizations from them.

At the moment, This procedure is called inductive reasoning.. His steps are:

Observation.Hypothesis formulation.Verification.Thesis.Law.Theory.

So, induction and deduction complement each other. Through induction, generalizations are established from what is common in several cases. Then, from this generalization, several logical conclusions are deduced. Through induction, these conclusions are translated into enriched generalizations, thus forming a didactic unit.

Hypothetico-deductive method

In the hypothetico-deductive method, the starting point is the hypotheses. These are inferred from principles or laws or established from empirical data. Thus, applying the rules of deduction, we arrive at predictions that are subjected to empirical verification. This method is often used, for example, in clinical diagnosis.

Historical-logical method

To discover the essence of things, logic needs history. Thus, in some way, it is a method that allows us to describe events based on the logic of their development. This method is often used when looking for background information on a scientific problem.

genetic method

This method deals with studying the object in its evolution and the factors that condition it. When carrying out the research, a longitudinal or cross-sectional study can be carried out.

Analogies method

Consists in infer similar relationships or consequences in similar phenomena. Typically, it has been used in science to construct new knowledge. Using this method, similar consequences can be inferred in similar historical periods, for example.

Modeling method

In the modeling method, models are created to investigate reality. The first thing is to formulate the objective. From this, the non-essential is separated from the essential of the object of study. Thus, a clear idea of ​​the essence of the object can be established, and this abstraction from reality constitutes the model.

Systemic-structural-functional method

For Aristotle, the whole was more than the sum of the parts. This is because the interactions that occur between the parts produced qualities that were not the result of the mechanical sum of the qualities of each part. This method is based on this, which is aimed at the construction of new knowledge.

Systematization method

This has been linked to the development of the scientific method. Mainly, the most common thing is to see this model used in the systematization of data or information, or in the systematization of experiences.

The classification of the scientific method: empirical methods

For their part, some of the best-known empirical scientific methods are:

The observation

It is a technique that consists of carefully observe the phenomenon, fact or case, take information and record it for later analysis. In other words, it is a process where the object of study is contemplated, carefully and systematically, in a specific context, without intervening on it or manipulating it.

The measurement

Measurement is the process of obtaining information that consists of comparing measurable and known quantities, carrying out the necessary logical and numerical operations, and represent information in the form of numbers.

In measurement, the property of an object is compared with a given figureand the same property in another object with another figure, in such a way that the difference in the degree of the property in the different objects is expressed through a difference in the numerical values.

Measurement will make it possible to specify the definition of concepts, the classification of phenomena, formulate exact hypotheses and theories and verify them through mathematics.

Experiment

The scientific experiment arises as a consequence of man’s effort to enter the sphere of the unknownusing its transformative activity on the world around it.

In the experiment, the object of study is analyzed in artificial conditions. That is, conditions are created and variables are manipulated, in order to measure and reveal the relationships of the phenomena that interest knowledge.

Thus, this classification of the scientific method according to its purpose in research can be summarized in two aspects. The first are methods for searching for informationwhich would bring together empirical, analytical-synthetic, historical-logical, genetic and systematization methods.

On the other hand, we would have methods for knowledge construction. Among them, we would have the hypothetical-deductive method, the analogical method, systematization, the inductive-deductive method, modeling and the systemic-structural-functional method.

To finish, highlight two ideas. The first is that there is no perfect methodology, there are some that are safer, but also slower; others that are more fallible, but faster when it comes to drawing conclusions. The second idea is that science took a giant step when it understood that The knowledge it generated was as important as the method it used to obtain it..

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