Fundamentals of ResearchEssay Preview: Fundamentals of ResearchReport this essayFundamentals of ResearchBSHS/382September 17, 2012Angela HeadFundaments of ResearchThis paper will provide an explanation of how scientific method research can be used in the human services profession. The steps involved in scientific inquiry and why they are important will be explained and an example of a scientific method of research related to the human services field will be provided. A brief discussion of quantitative and qualitative research that touches on the differences between the models and how the methods relate to the human services field and the scientific method will also be presented. The research methodology for quantitative and qualitative is also provided in this paper. Mixed method research will be briefly explained. Finally a summary of how scientific research supports the function of a human services professional.
Scientific MethodScientific method is basically a scientific investigation that employees the principles and empirical processes in which a problem is identified. Relevant data is gathered by observation of phenomena, a hypothesis is developed from the data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested and a conclusion to validate or modify the hypothesis (scientific method. n.d.). Scientific method as the center of scientific inquiry serves as the framework for all branches of science to assess their situations and to reach conclusions based on observation, concepts, experiments, and analysis.
Steps in Scientific Inquiry and Their ImportanceScience is a way of knowing more than facts, it is a way that scientists learn about the world and seek to identify and solve problems. Scientific inquiry is a process that involves developing questions so that one can devise answers. Researchers develop hypothesis based on observation of phenomena, and design experiments to test them, use technology to gather scientifically fact-based information in a systematic way, examine the experimental evidence, and interpret the data to prove the hypothesis to be true or not. Discover answers to questions, explanations, predictions, and finally to communicate the results. Scientific inquiry requires the investigator to identify any personal assumptions, also to take into consideration other possible explanations. This process also helps develop critical and logical thinking skills.
The steps in scientific inquiry are important because scientific investigation is a way to acquire knowledge of accurate information about the world in which one lives. The steps in the scientific inquiry provides a framework that serves as a guide to scientist, but also has helped scientists revolutionized the discipline of science and how researchers use scientific evaluate and the functions of inquiry as a whole. Acquiring an understanding of scientific inquiry is beneficial in all walks of life to help one evaluate the information one encounters in daily functions like reading a newspaper, or going to a doctors appointment often we need critical thinking skills to help us analyze an understand information needed in our everyday problem solving.
Human services research example of the scientific method is as follows: 1) Purpose/question: What do you want to learn? Example Has the number of homeless individual and families increased in our city and what has contributed to this change in the number of homeless? 2). Research – Find information by conducting research on the internet, from books or public records. Information from reports like City of Springfield, Illinois 10-Year Strategic Plan To End Chronic Homelessness (2004-2014). 3). Hypothesis – After conducting research one would try to predict the answer or provide an “educated guess”. Example The number of homeless has increased because of funding cuts for those at risk and the critical state of the economy in our community
Human services research example of the scientific method is as follows: 1) Purpose/question: What do you want to learn? Example Has the number of homeless individual and families increased in our city and what has contributed to this change in the number of homeless? 2). Research – In addition to hiring local and state police and fire departments to address chronic homelessness, Chicago was among states to institute several law and policy reform proposals that are now being implemented. The most recent of these bills is: The Homeless Prevention and Advocacy Act, 2013. 5. Human Services Research: The Need For Change. In 2014, many research and discussion groups, including the American Psychological Association, The American Law Institute, and a growing number of private and non-profit organizations led by some of the nation’s most respected researchers, began providing research and educational materials to address their mission of providing information on the need for change. They have collected a range of community-based support groups, including their “Lifestyle Change,” “Equality of Living,” and “Ending Homelessness.” They are conducting ongoing, ongoing and systematic research in both basic research (including “Dangerous Homicides: Can We Change the Way We Love Our Communities?”) and social research (includes, in the case of homelessness prevention and advocacy groups, “Stigma and Illicit Drug Use: Prevention of Illicit Drug Trafficking”), to address their core research needs and outcomes, and also in relation to other federal research, education, and advocacy. 6. Human Services Research Opportunities (HRS): National Science Foundation Research Programs Initiative (SSIPRI: SSI) Project on The Homeless (PCHW-O) for People with Special Needs. The purpose of this initiative is to provide funding to establish, maintain, and increase program services supported by the National Institute on Mental Health-USA, to address the needs and resources of the United States under Section 1051(c) of the Social Security Act. 7. The Homeless Task Force on Improving Homelessness. In 2014 the national Task Force on Improving Homelessness (tTFI) created a task force to report on the role the United States currently has in helping create and provide community-based and effective homelessness programs. The Task Force is a community-driven effort with an emphasis on community-based services delivered through community-based services. This focus focuses on the need for government agencies and communities to provide programs that address the needs of people with special needs and provide assistance to those persons who are denied access to essential necessities. 8. Federal funding sources and federal grants. The program has received federal financial support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in fiscal year 2013, and provided over $25,000,000 from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, to support our research and provide support under the PNP Program and the US Community Development program as part of the Public Health Services Act. 9. State and local funds. The state and local government provided $7.