Understanding The Nature Of Scientific Knowledge

Understanding the Nature of Scientific Knowledge Sherona Rawat Phd Community Psychology Prof. Mbali Dhlomo-sibiya 2008

Introduction • • • • •

Rules, methods and procedures Widely used Provide valid and reliable data Individual is a social being The measurement of social behavior and interaction

Definition • Disembedded Knowledge (Hook, Mkhize, Kiguwa. Collins, Burman and Parker, 2004, p.441). • “Science refers to both a system for producing knowledge and the knowledge produced from the system” (Neuman, 1997; p.6).

Theories • • • •

Simpler to organise information Easier to compare information Qualitative or quantitative Clinical testing or observation

Empirical • Empirical refers to the use and measure of experience and observation (Rosnow and Rosenthal, 1996). • Surfaced 19th century. • Researcher and scientific knowledge. • Rhetoric, mental imagery and the role of aesthtics.

Critical Appraisal • Neuman (1997) lists five norms of the scientific community – – – – –

Universalism Organised scepticism Disinterestedness Communalism Honesty

Scientific Attitude • Values craftmanship, pride in creativity, high quality standards and hard work. • Milgram (1977) describes scientific method as philosophical outlook characterised by empirical reasoning.

Social Research • Cannot be totally objective, value-free or un-biased. • Stringent methodology to manage values, bias and objectivity.

Scientific Misconduct • Unethical • Research fraud • Plagiarism

Research Funding • Expensive • Big corporations • Neuman (1997)- changed applied, action orientated, critical, neighbourhood centered and involved participation towards a detached, professional, positivistic and academic focus

Conclusion • • • •

Scientific knowledge. Element of the researcher. Scientific knowledge. Nature of scientific knowledge cannot be indipendent from researcher.