Lecture 1: Introduction

Question 1

What does the research cycle look like?

Answer 1

Theories -> hypotheses -> observations -> generalizations

Question 2

What are methodological questions?

Answer 2

• What is knowledge? (Epistemology)
• What is reality? (Ontology)
• What is of value? (Axiology)

These are the questions that underlie your methods.

Question 3

What is deductive reasoning?

Answer 3

• premises lead to a conclusions
• if we accept the premises are true, we’re forced to accept the conclusion is true

Steps:

1. General claim (can be theory)
2. Particular instance (can be hypothesis + research questions)
3. Conclusion regarding that particular instance (can be observation)

A sound, valid deductively reasoned argument: If you accept that the premises are true, it’s impossible for the conclusion not to be true. The conclusion is guaranteed when you accept the premises are true.

Question 4

What is inductive reasoning?

Answer 4

• Use observations to go to a single universal theory
• Observations are the basis for knowledge claims
• Make a prediction based on what happened in the past

Steps:

1. Observations
2. Look for patterns
3. Make tentative hypotheses
4. Apply to general theory

A strong inductively reasoned argument: If the premises are based on consistent, repeated observations, then the conclusion will probably be true. The premises make it improbable, but still possible, for the conclusion to be false.