One-Night Study Guide: Principles of Science &
Research
Part A: Core Short Q&A;
Q: What is Science?
A: Science is the knowledge gained through systematic observations and experimentations.
It is replicable, meaning results can be tested and confirmed again under similar conditions.
Q: Define Research (Redman and Mory).
A: Research is a 'systematized effort to gain new knowledge.' It is highly purposive (aimed at
solving problems) and systematic (done with patience and discipline).
Q: What is Pseudoscience?
A: Pseudoscience is presented as science but lacks scientific rigor. It often relies on personal
experiences or testimonials instead of testable, replicable evidence.
Q: What is Objectivity in research attitude?
A: Objectivity means a researcher avoids personal bias when observing, analyzing, or
concluding. It ensures findings reflect facts, not feelings.
Q: What is Intellectual Honesty?
A: Intellectual Honesty is the commitment to truth — reporting observations accurately and not
hiding data, even if it challenges personal beliefs.
Part B: Expanded Long Q&A;
Q: Differentiate between Descriptive and Analytical Research.
A: Descriptive research describes what is happening in the present situation. For example,
surveys of customer shopping habits. Analytical research, on the other hand, uses existing
data to make evaluations — for example, analyzing exam results of students across 10 years.
Descriptive is ‘what is,’ while Analytical is ‘why/how it is.’
Q: Explain the difference between Fundamental and Applied Research.
A: Fundamental research seeks knowledge for knowledge’s sake, aiming at theories and
generalizations. For example, studying particle physics without immediate practical use.
Applied research focuses on solving real-life problems — such as developing new teaching
methods to improve student learning.
Q: List qualities of a good researcher.
A: A good researcher shows curiosity (always asking questions), critical thinking (analyzing
evidence before accepting claims), and creativity (finding new approaches). For example,
curiosity makes one observant and pushes them to test new ideas, which is the foundation of
discovery.
Q: What are two major challenges researchers face?
A: First, funding: getting research grants is highly competitive and complex. Second, time
management: researchers must balance multiple projects, deadlines, and teaching duties.
Another big challenge is publishing, since top journals have strict requirements and peer
reviews.
Part C: Glossary of Key Terms
Science: Knowledge from observations and experiments.
Technology: Tools, machines, and methods humans design to solve problems.
Research: A careful, systematic effort to gain new knowledge.
Objectivity: Keeping research free from personal bias.
Replicability: Ability of results to be repeated and confirmed.
Pseudoscience: A claim presented as science but without scientific rigor.
Part D: Quick Essay Prompts (Answer Outlines)
Essay: Relationship between Science, Technology, and Research
Outline: Science builds knowledge → Technology applies it into tools → Research fuels both
by creating new knowledge and solving problems.
Essay: Challenges of Researchers & Principles of Quality Research
Outline: Challenges: funding, time, publishing, ethics. Principles to counter: Objectivity,
Replicability, Adequacy of data, Integrity.
Essay: Qualities of a Good Researcher vs Scientific Attitudes
Outline: Qualities: curiosity, creativity, critical thinking. Attitudes: objectivity, humility,
intellectual honesty. Together they ensure reliability and progress.
Essay: Why Astrology is Pseudoscience
Outline: Astrology lacks replicable evidence, relies on anecdotes, and cannot be tested under
scientific method — hence, pseudoscience.