Question

Describe the various steps involved in conducting a scientific enquiry.

Answer 1

The various steps involved in conducting a scientific enquiry can be described as follows:

(i) The conceptualisation of problem − It is important in a scientific enquiry to narrow down the focus and understand the specific problem. It is done by reviewing past research, personal experience and observations. This is further followed by preparing a hypothesis or a tentative solution of the problem.

(ii) Data collection − The second step involves the preparation of a blueprint of the entire study. It consists of four aspects namely, identifying the participants in the study, methods of data collection, tools to be used in research and procedure for data collection.

(iii) Drawing conclusions − The data are analysed through statistical procedures and represented graphically in the form of pie-chart, bar-diagram, etc. It helps to verify the hypothesis and draw conclusions by putting them into an appropriate context.

(iv) Revising research conclusions − The existing hypothesis is finally confirmed on the basis of revision of data else, a new hypothesis is stated and tested by new data. The research may also be revised by other researchers, hence making it a continuous process.