Page 1 : SCIENTIFIC METHODS,, , TABLE 1.1 Comparison between the Steps of the R, ese, , ehiProc, arch Process and the Problem-solving Process, , , , , Research Process, Problem-solving Process, , , , , , State a research question or problem, i : —— ie | Problem definition, Define the purpose or the rationale for the study | P; os ae 1, : toblem analysis, Review related literature, — : Generating possible solutio: s, | Formulate hypothesis and define variables ee a, Select a method to test hypothesi., ee hypothesis Analysing the solution(s), Select a population, sample, and setting Selecting the best solution(s), ——~ — C S| ution(s), , Conduct a pilot study, , }, ; ‘ollect the data, Collect the d Implementing the solution(s), , Analyse the data, e eration, , effectiveness of the solution in resolving the problem. This stage also helps to redefine the, problem and revise the problem-solving process in case the initial solution fails to manage, the problem effectively. A comparison between the steps of the research process and the, , problem-solving process is presented in Table 1.1., , , , , , , , , SCIENTIFIC METHODS, Scientific methods are defined as controlled, systematic investigations that are r Lin, objective reality and that aim to develop general knowledge about natural phenomena., , Characteristics of Scientific Methods, Based on the above definition, the characteristics of scientific methods are as follows:, , ; hey are orderly and systematic processes. adig a, “\2-Scientists attempt to control external Sal are not under direct investigation., i i based on the empirical evidences., Fu Ge ee —— generalized, which means that they can be used in, situations other than the one under study., based on assumptions or hypotheses, . ., cin basically conducted to develop or test theories., i as, , , , , , , , , , , , , ~, , s of Scientific Methods _, jentific methods are description, exploration, explanation, predicrene’ af otal ication of relationship of the facts.