The concept of a method in science

Science is the sphere of research that is aimed at developing and using in practice information about society, nature, consciousness. Let's consider the concept of a method, due to which it is possible to select certain methods and algorithms of actions for carrying out scientific research .

Pages of History

The basic concepts of the method of investigation were analyzed by M. M. Bakhtin. The Russian philosopher stressed the need for scientific knowledge.

He said that science is characterized by ideological, value, worldview. Therefore, it is important to choose methods that will help solve serious issues related to scientific knowledge.

Variants of cognition

What are the scientific methods? The notion of "types of methods" is associated with the selection of certain technologies, through which you can achieve the goal, carrying out orderly activities.

The concept of a method in science involves the development of a system of rules and methods of thinking, practical actions, thanks to which it is possible to obtain new knowledge.

Feature of scientific methods

The concept of a scientific method is associated with techniques based on knowledge of the subject of research. Each method has a dual nature.

It is based on the laws of science, allows you to solve the task posed to the researcher.

Classification of scientific methods

At present, general, private, universal methods of scientific cognition are singled out . Private apply in one or more sciences, which have a common subject of study. For example, similar methods are used by researchers in physics and psychology.

General scientific methods are suitable for all branches of knowledge. Philosophical forms are formed as a result of the development of science, they are included in a special philosophical system.

Empirical knowledge

Considering the concept of a method in science, we note that the theoretical and empirical method of organizing scientific knowledge is singled out . Empirical knowledge can be regarded as the sum of scientific facts that form the basis of theoretical knowledge. They are obtained by researchers using two common options: experiment and observation. Let us consider the concept of the method of empirical cognition. Observation is a deliberate, special perception of the analyzed object. Among its distinctive features we note the following features:

• Setting the goal of the research;
• Search for methods of observation;
• Drawing up a work plan;
• Control of the object under study;
• The use of a variety of instruments to achieve the goal.

Based on the results of the observation, the initial information about the object is obtained in the form of scientific facts.

What is an experiment? Let us consider the concept of a method, the features of its conduct. By experiment is meant the reception of scientific research, assuming reproduction or change of the analyzed object under certain conditions. In the process of work, the researcher has the opportunity to change the conditions for conducting it.

If necessary, at any stage of the study can be stopped. For example, it is possible to put the studied object in various connections with other objects, create conditions in which it is possible to see the properties and characteristics of a familiar phenomenon unknown in the scientific field.

The main concept of the method is that it can artificially reproduce the analyzed phenomenon, in practice verify the accuracy and reliability of empirical or theoretical knowledge. To carry it out, special technical devices are needed.

Devices are devices that have certain characteristics that allow you to obtain information about properties and phenomena that are not perceptible by the human sense organs.

With their help, scientists conduct special measurements, identify new features in the studied objects. Considering the concept of the principle, the method of investigation, M. Born noted that observation and measurement are associated with a violation of the natural flow of the process. When determining new conditions for an analyzed object, a person really interferes with his nature, but without such actions it will be difficult to examine the subject from different sides, to reveal its distinctive features, main characteristics.

Varieties of the experiment

Taking into account the goal set for the expert, a division of experiments for a research and testing experiment was adopted. The first option involves the search for a new one, and the second one is carried out to confirm the hypothesis put forward in the work. What is characterized by this method? Definition, the concepts of research concern the detection and demonstration of new properties, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the object under study, which are associated with a change in its basic properties.

Depending on what was chosen as an object of research, there is a social and natural experiment.

According to the method of conducting it, the following types of research can be considered:

• direct;
• Model;
• artificial;
• natural;
• real;
• mental.

A scientific experiment involves research, which results in the compilation of the main characteristics of the object. In the production study, field or production consideration of certain characteristics of the object under consideration is assumed.

Mathematical or physical modeling allows the creation of previously unknown models of neurons, cosmetic ships, aircraft, cars.

Comparison

Analyzing the concept of research method, it is necessary to distinguish and compare. It is this method of cognition that scientists consider the most important component of empirical methods, allowing to find similarities and differences between the properties of the analyzed object.

As a special case of comparison, one can consider a measurement. In the course of it, a value is determined that characterizes the degree of development of the properties of the analyzed object. Conduct it by comparing it with another value, which is taken as the unit of calculation. Only when using the measurement can we talk about the effectiveness of the experiment and observations.

Scientific facts

They are considered a form of existence of empirical knowledge. This concept has a certain semantic meaning. First of all, we are talking about a real phenomenon. The facts of life may differ from those that were obtained during laboratory studies and measurements.

Those facts that are established in the process of experimental study of certain objects may differ significantly from the hypothesis originally proposed. It is thanks to the unity of theory and practice that a full understanding of the object under study is created.

The facts are quite complex. They include information about the existing reality, the method of obtaining, interpreting the results. Its main side is the provision of information about reality, which involves the creation of a visual image, as well as its parameters. With the help of facts, new phenomena are discovered, modifications are made to the existing notion of a particular object or object.

In addition, for a full scientific study, it is important to qualitatively process the results obtained during the experiment. This process is considered a theoretical and methodological basis for the formation of a theoretical conclusion about the investigated object.

In addition to the material and technical aspects, the methodological basis is also assumed in the facts. For example, in the case of a pre-election campaign, candidates use the results of a variety of sociological studies. On their basis, they assess their own chances for the successful completion of the elections. Often there are situations in which there is a contradiction between the results. It can be explained by the fact that different methods were used to conduct the research.

Conclusion

The history of science has evolved over many centuries. During this time, significant changes took place in it. But those methods, which are necessary for a full study of the object, have practically not changed. Graphs, charts, diagrams, widely used in modern research, are created precisely on the basis of various scientific methods.

Scientific discoveries made earlier are currently being tested on modern equipment. In process of formation of scientific knowledge, perfection of technologies their truth, expediency, necessity of introduction in practice is defined. In the generalization of individual facts obtained by observation and experimentation, a single concept of an object is formed. Invariance of various scientific methods is that, regardless of the algorithms used, the result should be the same.

When considering the same natural phenomenon or a certain object by means of induction and deduction, which are also scientific methods, reliable information can be obtained about it.