Among the main principles of scientific knowledge exist such as the validity and applicability in practice.With this purpose, it committed all the modern scientific discoveries by which mankind has been trying as much as possible to facilitate its existence.However, to make a scientific discovery, it is necessary to skillfully use a variety of methods of scientific research.
scientific knowledge involves the use of empirical and theoretical levels of research.The first relates to the practical side of the issue because handles data obtained from observations and experiments;the second makes it possible to draw any conclusions on the basis of existing laws and hypotheses.These levels are closely related and the border between them is quite shaky.However, for each of them there are different methods of scientific research, that there are ways to get useful scientific knowledge.Among them are deduction and induction, formation of hypotheses, drawing analogies and stuff.
basic methods of scientific research is divided into several groups:
1) General philosophical methods with the widest range of applications.
2) scientific methods, on the basis of the name, are suitable for any science, but it can be applied only at certain levels obtaining scientific knowledge.
3) Special methods of scientific research.In economics, sociology, chemistry and other sciences have their own special way of allowing more competently operate the feasibility and findings.
4) Private methods are useful in special cases where the question of solving a particular problem.
According to another classification, the basic methods of scientific research on the theoretical level of knowledge are divided into three categories:
1) axiomatic method
theory describing this or that phenomenon, based on a number of rules and axioms from which to draw appropriate conclusions.The accuracy of the theory is based on indisputable axioms.Obviously, the axiomatic method is most suitable for research in mathematics and logic.By itself, the axiom excludes the manifestation of the slightest contradiction, however, a theoretical study should be tested in practice and only in this case it is possible to say with precision the absence of contradictions.
2) hypothetical-deductive method
field of obtaining scientific knowledge, operate on experimental and theoretical material, also may use different methods of scientific research, but it is preferable to hypothetical-deductive method.In this case, replace the axiom of hypotheses, the validity of which is verified compliance of theoretical and practical results.Obviously, this method is most widely used in the field of natural science.Various methods of scientific research in the economy and in the first place put the hypothetical-deductive method.It is in these areas is very important to be able not only to think but also to apply existing knowledge in practice.
3) descriptive method
often do previous methods of research are not suitable for an explanation of the results.In such cases, the transfer to the category descriptive methods.They suggest the use of various diagrams, drawings and words to describe the experimental data which were not previously known to science, and can not be explained on the basis of existing axioms and hypotheses.Here the great role played by the experiment itself and the data obtained with its help.This descriptive methods are most commonly used in biology, medical science and sociology.Inability to use the previous method based on limited: it does not allow the rigid framework in any way explain the experimental results.
for any level of scientific knowledge, it is important to choose the right method of research, because it will be the key to obtaining true knowledge.
