Natural Science and History: Methods and Problems
Natural Science: The Scientific Method
The sciences that study physical reality are very varied. Some merely observe, describe, and classify things. Their criterion of truth is the precise fit to the object studied. Others want to know the laws governing phenomena and the internal structure of things. They follow the hypothetical-deductive method:
- Discovery of a problem.
- Invention of a hypothesis.
- Formulation of the hypothesis.
- Contrasting the hypothesis.
When the hypothesis is sufficiently corroborated
Read MoreUnderstanding Educational Evaluation and Assessment
1. Concept of Evaluation and Assessment
Two ways to understand evaluation:
- Traditionally: Focused on the results that students obtain from the educational process.
- Currently: Focused on all the processes taking place across the different elements of the curriculum (objectives, content, methodology, teaching and learning experiences, resources and materials, assessment), the organization of the center, the educational authorities, and both teachers and students.
2. Types of Evaluation
- Formative evaluation:
Understanding Triangulation in Research: Methods and Validity
Understanding Triangulation in Research
It is assumed that whatever technique is used, it points to the same reality. It does not change the reality itself; what changes, at most, is the focus. However, all approaches must tend towards a convergence of results. If they do not converge, this is one of the main problems: triangulation has been poorly implemented in at least some of the techniques.
Triangulation has been established as a methodology and strategy for assessing and monitoring research
Read MoreScience, Research, and Paradigms: Key Concepts Explained
Science, Research, and Paradigms
Science: Systematic and organized accumulation of knowledge obtained by methods based on systematic observation.
Features of Science:
- Static: Development and accumulation of knowledge and establishment of general laws and theories.
- Dynamic: Discovery and problem-solving to achieve progress and improvement.
Research: The process by which we try to get systematic information, always based on evidence.
Research Methods:
- Trial and error
- History
- Personal experience
- Deductive
- Inductive
Understanding Natural and Social Sciences: Truth, History, and Methods
Natural Science: The Scientific Method
Sciences that study physical reality are very varied. Some merely observe, describe, and classify things. Their criterion of truth is the precision of fit to the object studied. Others seek to know the laws governing phenomena and the internal structure of things. They follow the hypothetical-deductive method, which involves:
- Identification of a problem.
- Discovery/invention of a hypothesis.
- Formulation of a hypothesis.
- Testing of the hypothesis.
When the evidence
Read MoreSocial Program Evaluation: Criteria and Methods
Definition of Two Main Parts
Two main parts are worth highlighting. On the one hand, an assessment is not an investigation; the big difference is the value judgments involved in any evaluation. On the other hand, the assessment is restricted to the results. The set of variables that can impact program outcomes are so diverse that they make assessment a complex evaluation.
The activity is a process that requires efficiency, skills, and negotiation abilities. Also, the results can influence many people.
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