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Elements of Scientific Method - Concepts, Theory, Fact, Hypothesis

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OPSC OAS Sociology Paper I, Unit 2: Scientific Study of Social Phenomena. 40-section notes on Elements of Scientific Method - Concepts, Theory, Fact, Hypothesis.

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    ← Unit 2: Scientific Study of Social Phenomena

    1. Scientific Method: Meaning and Nature

    Foundation of Scientific Inquiry

    DefinitionScientific Method: Systematic, objective, and logical procedure used for acquiring knowledge through empirical verification

    Robert Burns Definition:
    "A systematic and objective attempt to study a problem for the purpose of deriving general principles."

    Royce A. Singleton and Bruce C. Straits:
    "Scientific social research consists of the process of formulating and seeking answers to questions about the social world."

    Theodorson and Theodorson:
    "The building of a body of scientific knowledge through observation, experimentation, generalization and verification."

    Read the full notes (40 sections) in the EduSaint Odisha app
    Free. All OPSC Sociology Paper I and Paper II notes, with mains PYQs.
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    In these notes
    1. Scientific Method: Meaning and Nature
    2. Basic Elements of Scientific Method
    3. Types of Research
    4. Characteristics of Scientific Method
    5. Facts: Empirical Base of Sociology
    6. Concepts: Building Blocks of Theory
    7. Kinds of Concepts
    8. Conceptualization Process
    9. Variables in Social Research
    10. Definitions in Social Research
    11. Theory: Integration of Knowledge
    12. Major Sociological Theories
    13. Relationship Between Theory and Fact
    14. Facts → Theory
    15. Theory → Facts
    16. Facts and Theory Interdependence
    17. Theory → Prediction → Facts
    18. Facts → Theory Modification
    19. Theory vs Fact - Clarification
    20. Theory-Fact Dynamic
    21. Hypothesis in Scientific Inquiry
    22. Comparing Concepts
    23. Where Hypotheses Come From
    24. Classification of Hypotheses
    25. Sociological Hypotheses with Examples
    26. Criteria for Sound Hypotheses
    27. Why Hypotheses are Important
    28. Testing Hypotheses
    29. Hypothesis in Different Research Approaches
    30. Problems with Hypothesis Use
    31. Hypothesis in Scientific Sociology
    32. Quick Reference - Elements of Scientific Method
    33. Q: Define Scientific Method. Discuss Its Elements with Suitable Examples
    34. Q: Discuss the Relationship Between Theory and Fact in Sociology
    35. Q: What is Hypothesis? Discuss Its Types and Importance in Sociological Research
    36. Q: Discuss the Role of Concepts in Sociological Research
    37. Q: Discuss the Interrelationship Between Fact, Concept, Hypothesis and Theory
    38. Expected Questions for OPSC/UPSC
    39. Quick Revision Summary
    40. How to Write Answers on This Topic

    Sourced from the Odisha Public Service Commission where applicable. opsc.gov.in. EduSaint is not affiliated with OPSC.