Foundation Of Social Research: Discuss The Difference Betwee

Foundation Of Social Research1 Discuss The Difference Between Scient

Discuss the difference between scientific and non-scientific knowledge. What are the 8 components of a research paper and what do they entail (bullet points)? What is the Belmont Report and why is it important for human research efforts?

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding the distinction between scientific and non-scientific knowledge is fundamental in the realm of social research. Scientific knowledge is characterized by empirical evidence, systematic methodology, reproducibility, and objectivity, aiming to uncover universal truths through observation, experimentation, and logical analysis. Conversely, non-scientific knowledge encompasses beliefs, opinions, intuition, and faith-based understanding, which may lack empirical validation and systematic inquiry. While scientific knowledge seeks to minimize bias and supports evidence-based conclusions, non-scientific knowledge often relies on subjective experience and cultural or personal beliefs.

The core components of a research paper provide a structured framework that guides researchers in presenting their findings coherently. These components typically include:

  • Title Page: Presents the title, author’s name, institutional affiliation, and date.
  • Abstract: A concise summary of the research purpose, methodology, findings, and implications.
  • Introduction: Introduces the research problem, background information, and objectives.
  • Literature Review: Summarizes existing research relevant to the topic and identifies gaps.
  • Methodology: Describes research design, participants, procedures, and analytical techniques.
  • Results: Presents findings through text, tables, and figures without interpretation.
  • Discussion: Interprets results, discusses implications, and relates findings to existing literature.
  • Conclusion: Summarizes main findings, limitations, and suggestions for future research.
  • References: Lists all sources cited in the paper following a specific citation style.

The Belmont Report is a cornerstone document in research ethics, established in 1979 by the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. It delineates ethical principles and guidelines for conducting research involving human subjects. The report emphasizes three core principles: respect for persons (acknowledging autonomy and protecting those with diminished autonomy), beneficence (maximizing benefits and minimizing harms), and justice (fairly distributing the burdens and benefits of research). This framework ensures that research upholds the dignity, rights, and well-being of participants, fostering trust and integrity in human research efforts.

Recognizing and applying the principles outlined in the Belmont Report is essential to safeguard participant rights, promote ethical standards, and ensure that research outcomes are both credible and morally justifiable. Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are established based on these principles to review and approve research protocols, further emphasizing their importance in guiding ethical research practices.

In summary, differentiating scientific from non-scientific knowledge aids in understanding how social phenomena are studied and validated. The structured components of a research paper ensure clarity and rigor in disseminating research findings. Lastly, the Belmont Report acts as the ethical backbone of human subjects research, emphasizing the importance of moral principles to protect participants.

References

  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
  • National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. (1979). The Belmont Report. U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
  • Neuman, W. L. (2014). Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (7th ed.). Pearson Education.
  • Punch, K. F. (2014). Introduction to social research: Quantitative and qualitative approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Resnik, D. B. (2015). The ethics of research with human subjects: Protecting people, advancing science, promoting trust. Springer.
  • Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative research. Sage Publications.
  • Shamoo, A. E., & Resnik, D. B. (2015). Responsible conduct of research (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research: Design and methods (5th ed.). Sage Publications.
  • Wilson, J. (2010). Research methods: The basics. Routledge.