Bshs 435 - Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry

                              Scientific Method and Steps in Scientific Inquiry

Shannon Williams

BSHS/435

October 5, 2015

Mary Evitt

    In this paper I will provide details on how the scientific method can be used in the Human Services industry. I will explain the steps of the scientific method and how it serves as an important key to Human Service Professionals. I will also define each step, what purpose it serves, and how the scientific method will be applied. Human Service professionals utilize the scientific method to gain information on the client as well as how to approach the clients various issues; also researching other resources to meet the needs of the clients to ensure the client is receiving accurate help.

Scientific Method

     The scientific method is a method that is used to research and study it involves investigation and evaluation of present or future problems. The scientific method helps with producing the right answers to questions that cannot be answered through traditional methods. Researchers can use the scientific method to exploit all the facts, evidence, opinions, and records to receive the right outcome for the initial problem. As a Human Service professional using the using scientific method can help with identifying the solution of the client’s problem and finding a resolution to ensure it will help to rebuild the client’s life. No matter the field an individual is in when it concerns Human Services research will always be needed to ensure self-thoughts, bias, and one’s own solution is not used. The tremendous amount of individuals whom are homeless, abused, unemployed and have health concerns will need full research to assist with sending them in the right direction. The unanswered questions to the clients issues can be resolved effectively if the right research is conducted.

Steps in the Scientific method

    The steps in the scientific method includes six steps according to the textbook by (John W. Creswell). The six steps are; identifying a research problem, reviewing the literature, specifying a purpose for research, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting and evaluating research. Identifying a research problem will include finding out what the problem is and why is it important. This will help to understand why the problem needs to have further investigation which will include conducting research on it. Reviewing the literature will help the researcher know where to look and what resources to include in the research. Locating the right resources will help the individual obtain the right organizations and communicate with the right people. Specifying a purpose for research, will include finding out the purpose of the situation or issue and narrowing the research to a specific purpose. Researching the right category will help to better understand the purpose of the research and identify the problem. Collecting data is used in gathering all information from the parties involved which includes all records and accurate information to obtain conduct the proper research. Collecting data will also help in knowing what type of information to research and what resources to use. Analyzing and interpreting the data will help to break down all the data received which will uncover what is necessary to use and what is not. Having a clear explanation to what the data is and how to use it in the research to determine answers to the questions. Reporting and evaluating research is what human service professionals will use to determine who will be involved in the treatment and what will be included in the final report. Writing the final report is important and has to be done with accurate facts and able to understand what should be done. Applying these six steps to research is important because it will help to narrow down what to research, how to research, why the research is important to do, and an explanation of the research when it concerns Human service professionals and their clients.