Introduction
Scientific method is described as a field of practices that is used to examine various phenomena, obtain knowledge and even incorporate or correct previous knowledge. The scientific method is established on evidence that is measurable and empirical as well and which is subjected to some standard of reasoning. Scientific method can also be defined as a method that follows a systematic process of observation, experimentation and formulation as well (Hesse-Biber and Johnson, 2015).
Body
The scientific methods of research are question, hypothesis, experimentation, analysis of data and conclusion. Asking a question is the first step of a research and the scientific method. The question is raised as a way of defining the problem or the issue at hand. To start conducting the research, general questions can be raised first which utilizes the format of what, who, how and when. This is the format used in most research to build issues that entail the research. The questions created will help in the process of forming a hypothesis. There are various ways to raise an issue in the research process. In some research, there is usually one broad question that covers the entire research. The questions formulated generally accompany the hypothesis of the research as well (Wallace and Van, 2012).
A hypothesis is the second scientific method of research. It is a tentative speculation where testing is required to be done to enable the outcome to be observed. It can also be described as an accurate and testable prediction. It gives a definition of what is to be expected in a definite situation. The hypothesis seeks to find answers to questions that have been formulated. There are various features that a hypothesis should always have. It should be measurable, clear, explain an expectation and have the dependent and independent variables. These features are what enable a hypothesis to be scientific.
The independent variable in research is the part that can be changed and tested. It usually comes first, and the outcome is the dependent variable. The process of experimentation also entails the collection of data that are related to the research problem. The data can be collected in various ways such as observation or interviewing (Khan, 2011).
Experimentation is the third method of scientific research that includes aspects such as description. The experiment is conducted to authenticate, contest or confirm a hypothesis. The process of experimentation depends on methods that can be repeated and a rational investigation of the results can be carried out as well. It helps to ascertain the relationship between a dependent and independent variable. Various factors need to be considered in experimentation. Sampling techniques are usually applied in this particular step as well (Wallace and Van, 2012).
Data analysis is the fourth method of scientific research that entails the organization of data that has been collected to be quickly reviewed. The data gathered in experimentation is commonly demonstrated by using tables or graphs. Pictures can also be used although this is less popular. The data collected is usually aimed at answering the question asked. After the data has been collected, it is typically processed by organizing it in the form of rows and tables. Statistical tests can also be utilized to analyze data. The organized form of the data will then be used in the last method of scientific research (Livingstone, 2009).
After analyzing the data collected, the last method of scientific research is to draw conclusions based on the research question. In drawing conclusions, it is usually significant to look for patterns that exist concerning the research being conducted. The conclusion is the answer to the experiment being done. It gives an explanation of the test generally and further clarifies if the hypothesis formulated is correct or wrong. It gives the final verdict of a theory or the entire research question as well (Khan, 2011).
A hypothesis can be developed in connection with the professional practices of criminal justice practitioners. The hypothesis can be “Has the rate of crime decrease in the country over the past five years. There can be the application of quantitative data will focus on the gathering of crime records in various states in the country to answer the hypothesis raised. The records will be for the past five years which will then be used to come up with an analysis method. Graphs can be employed to put the information together after which it will be analyzed. The graph will be analyzed and the shape it has adopted on whether it is increasing or decreasing.
Conclusion
References
Hesse-Biber, S. N., & Johnson, B. (2015). The Oxford handbook of multimethod and mixed methods research inquiry.
Khan, J. A. (2011). Research methodology. New Delhi: APH Publishing Corporation.
Livingstone, D. J. (2009). A Practical Guide to Scientific Data Analysis. Wiley.
Prunckun, H. (2010). Handbook of scientific methods of inquiry for intelligence analysis. Lanham: Scarecrow Press.
Wallace, D. P., & Van, F. C. (2012). Knowledge into action: Research and evaluation in library and information science. Santa Barbara, California: Libraries Unlimited.
