The word method refers to that set of strategies and tools that are used to reach a precise objective, the method usually represents an instrumental means by which the works that are done daily are carried out. Any process in life requires a procedure to function. The use of this word is almost colloquial, its use in any sentence indicates that there is a procedure to follow if you want to reach the end of the operation.
What is a method
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Method is a way of doing something in a systematic, organized and / or structured way. It refers to a technique or set of activities to develop a task. In some cases, what is method is also understood as the usual way of doing something for a person based on experience and personal preferences.
It comes from the Latin methŏdus, which in turn derives from the Greek μέθοδος. The etymology of the word method indicates that it comes from a Greek grapheme that means "Way", so it indicates that it is a mandatory path to do any act.
If you study the different fields of science, you can find a whole empirical path of creating methods to solve problems.
What is the scientific method
It represents a series of steps, which in the scientific field are very necessary to obtain new knowledge. Through the scientific method, it is possible to find answers to many questions. Answers that, of course, cannot be obtained immediately in a complete and pure way without experiencing error.
Scientific methods, due to their high educational and instructional value for future generations, in any area, involve a series of steps to be executed, these can be several, but basically establish research parameters to understand the theoretical framework that must be obtained from they.
Scientific methods can be: observation, hypothesis, deduction, calculation, combination, statistical, experimental, empirical, biological, social, psychological, analytical and many more, everything depends on the core of the science that is being studied.
In mathematics, any operator that performs an alteration on a data series implies a solving technique for this problem. The functions use mathematical and computational procedures for their inquiry and processing.
Chemistry also uses the stages of the scientific method of alteration of chemical substances, such as processes of alterations of temperature or state of matter, to redefine the compounds of the periodic table and make combinations of these for a subsequent application in the field of research and this is how these stages of the scientific method are applied.
Political and legal sciences employ legislative methods to develop defense and offense judicial processes in a case. In every field of society, the human being uses communication methods and protocol to establish bonds of friendship, love, business and more.
Steps of the scientific method
In the field of science, a series of steps of the scientific method are carried out and among these are:
- The observation. based on the collection of information and specific facts of the problem or phenomenon that awakens the attention of the person.
- The hypothesis. Represents the explanation of what was observed of the fact or problem.
- The experimentation. It consists of the verification or verification of the hypothesis.
- The theory. It is based on the hypothesis in which a set of facts, derived from observation and experimentation, is related.
- The Law. Represents the set of facts derived from observation and experimentation linked together.
Analytical empirical method
It represents a method of scientific research, based on experimentation and which, together with the observation of phenomena and their statistical study, is one of the most used in the context of the social and natural sciences.
The Empirical Analytical Method is generally based on real events and uses empirical verification in order to verify theories through perceptual confrontation. It is important to add that this research model does not take its errors as mistakes, but rather uses them as a mechanism of evolution, of progress.
It should be noted that this kind of method has its limitations, so it cannot be applied in investigations that cannot be subjected to an observation, such as the existence of life beyond death or issues related to the soul or God, as these issues cannot be quantified scientifically.
Method types
It can be said that there are several types of methods such as the qualitative method (which specifies the qualities of something in particular), the quantitative method (emphasizes the quantities or enumeration within the activity that is executed), the method of separation of mixtures (allows the separation of two or more ingredients of a solution), the matching method (based on clearing the unknown in both equations and matching the expressions obtained), the graphic method (procedure used to interpret the results and is performed by solving of linear programming problems) and the substitution method (it highlights the clearing of an unknown in an equation that in the end there will be another unknown to continue having an equation).
However, the methods that stand out the most are the following:
Mathematical methods
This represents a pattern or type of scientific model in charge of using various kinds of mathematical formulation, to give rise to relationships, substantive propositions of facts, rules, variants, or entities between variations of operations, in order to study a complex situation or systems.
The term mathematical model is also used in graphic design when talking about geometric models of objects in two (2D) or three dimensions (3D).
However, the meaning of a mathematical model in philosophy of mathematics and the fundamentals of mathematics is somewhat different. Specifically in these areas they work with “formal models”. A formal model for a certain mathematical hypothesis is a set in which a series of unary, binary and ternary relations have been defined, which satisfies the propositions derived from the set of axioms of the theory. The branch of mathematics that is responsible for systematically studying the properties of models is model theory.
Chemical Methods
Chemical methods represent a series of procedures aimed at the transformation of basic substances into different final products.
Through chemical methods, the properties of an element can be modified, so that it can be used in another way.
An example of this is "Fermentation", here a reactive agent (in this case yeast), allows microorganisms to quickly emerge, which in turn, form other derivatives
Research Methods
They represent the path or guideline that, in the form of a theoretical construction, guides the researcher or student of the social and economic scientific field to achieve certain objectives in their precise time, with determined activities and with sufficient resources. Methods have the advantage of disciplining human action to achieve successful results.
It should be noted that the term research methodology is made up of the word method and the Greek noun “logos” which means judgment, study. Research methodology can be defined as the description, analysis and critical evaluation of research methods. It is the instrument that links the subject with the research object, without the methodology, it is almost impossible to achieve the logic that leads to scientific knowledge and scientific methods.
We can establish two main types of research methods: logical methods and empirical methods. The first scientific and logical methods are all those that are based on the use of thought in its functions of deduction, analysis and synthesis, while the empirical methods approach the knowledge of the object through its direct knowledge and the use of experience, including finding observation and experimentation.
Analytical method
Thus, it represents a research process that focuses on the decomposition of a whole, dismantling the elements into several parts to define causes, nature and effects. The definition of the analytical method expresses that this is the study and examination of a particular fact or object, it is the most used in the field of social sciences and natural sciences.
This procedure is generally objective and bases its studies on evaluations in order to verify and support other previously verified investigations. To run this process you need first; define the subject of analysis, then execute an action plan or strategy that allows to carry out the procedures that will determine the veracity of the hypothesis that is raised. This research methodology is used mainly in the social field. It should be mentioned that it is not feasible to apply it in areas where religion and beliefs are in dispute.
Deductive method
It is a reasoning strategy used to draw logical conclusions from a series of premises or principles.
According to this procedure, the conclusion is within the aforementioned premises or, in other words, the conclusion is a consequence of these.
For example, premise 1: all men are mortal; premise 2: Aristotle is a man, conclusion: consequently, Aristotle is mortal.
In general, when the deductive method is applied, if the premises are true, the conclusion will be valid.
There are two forms of deductive method:
- Direct: which is one in which the essay is produced from a single premise, without contrasting it with others.
- Indirect: which is one in which the first premise contains the universal proposition, and the second one of a particular nature. The conclusion, consequently, will be the result of the comparison between the two.
The difference between inductive and deductive lies in the direction of the reasoning to reach the conclusions.
The deductive and inductive method are tools of logical judgments, the inductive one uses particular ideas to reach a general conclusion and the deductive one presents general principles that allow us to reach a single conclusion.
Both procedures are important in the production of knowledge. During a scientific investigation it is possible to use one or the other, or a combination of both, depending on the field of study in which it is carried out.
Inductive method
It represents the process of the mind to reach the knowledge or also called demonstration of the truth of the proven facts, it also makes it possible to reach a general conclusion.
This is a mental process that, by reaching the knowledge or the demonstration of the truth of the particular, proven facts, makes it possible to reach a general conclusion.
It is a method based on induction, that is, a mental operation that consists in the establishment of a universal truth or a general reference based on the knowledge of a quantity of unique data. Example: all the dogs that were observed had feelings. Therefore, all dogs have hearts.
The inductive and deductive methods assume different ways of approaching the object of study. The inductive, as already said, seeks to establish general conclusions from particular premises. Furthermore, it differs from each other in that the inductive method is more typical of research focused on creating new theories, while the deductive, on the other hand, is more useful for testing these theories.
Dialectical method
The dialectical method represents the perception relevant to a specific event, its purpose is to evaluate from a critical and objective way which ones best fit or fit the description of the real phenomenon, it should be mentioned that, from this analysis, the synthesis of a concept comes. The dialectical method has its origin in Greek antiquity. In modernity it is treated by Marx, Hegel and other philosophers; and they determine its general characteristics to constitute a synthesis of historical development.
On the other hand, dialectics can be defined as a discourse in which a concept is opposed as real; accepted as real and understood as thesis.
Other Methods
Contraceptive method
Birth control methods are used to prevent pregnancy as a result of having sex.
So-called barrier methods, such as male (condom) and female condoms, prevent pregnancy and protect against contracting AIDS, as well as other sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis and gonorrhea. Birth control methods that use hormones (hormonal birth control methods) prevent ovulation, so that when you have sex, pregnancy does not occur.
Young people often start contraceptive treatment months after starting sex. To avoid risks it is important that they know what methods exist and how to use them.
They are hormonal preparations that can be used during reproductive life, that is, from the time a woman has her first period (menarche) until she stops having it (menopause).
There are many ways. The pill that is taken daily by mouth, the patches that are applied to the skin, the vaginal rings, the injections that are administered from time to time, the cannulas that is a technique in which; It is inserted under the skin and intrauterine devices that are placed inside the uterus.
The "morning-after pill" is an emergency contraceptive that is used to reduce the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is a hormonal drug that prevents or delays ovulation, but never terminates the pregnancy. It is not abortifacient and does not cause any problems in the embryo, in case there has already been a pregnancy.
Rhythm method
It consists of calculating the fertile days and avoiding sexual intercourse during that period. It can be said then that this procedure is part of natural contraceptive methods.
Many women out of fear of contraception or lack of information use the rhythm method as an alternative to avoid getting pregnant. However, although it appears to be quite simple, this technique has very little effectiveness and is only applied to women who have their periods every 28 days.
Payment method
The form of payment refers to the means through which a disbursement or payment is made. That is, we want to specify if the payment was made in cash, with a credit card, supermarket coupons, check or any other.
Study method
Studying with a procedure means realistically programming the conditions, tasks and activities that guarantee efficient, effective and effective learning.
Study techniques are a set of logical tools that help improve academic performance and facilitate the process of memorization, reflection, analysis, criticism and learning.
Food preservation method
Preserving food prevents the growth of microorganisms (such as yeast) or other microorganisms (although some processes work by introducing benign bacteria or fungi into food), as well as reducing the oxidation of fats that cause rancidity. Food preservation can also include processes that inhibit visual impairment, such as the enzymatic browning reaction in apples after cutting them during food preparation.
The preservation of food through heat consists of treating it at a high temperature to eliminate microorganisms and denature the enzymes responsible for the decomposition of food.
When the objective is pasteurization or sterilization, it is necessary to take into account the temperature, the binomial time, which will ensure that the food will receive the exact amount of heat that reaches the desired degree of pasteurization or sterilization.
There are different types of heat treatment:
- Pasteurization: the food is heated to a temperature below the boiling point, with little change in its properties; It was invented by the French chemist Louis Pasteur.
- Sterilization: is the exposure of food to high temperatures for a certain period of time. This time can be long (as in the case of canned foods) or too short (liquid foods in long-life containers, for example) to kill any microorganisms that may spoil or cause food health problems. It was initially developed by the French pastry chef Nicolás Appert (which is why the food sterilization process is called "opening"). The goal of sterilization is to ensure the commercial sterility of food.
- Whitening: it is a heat treatment that consists of scalding quickly and just after passing the food through cold water. Its main purpose is to inactivate enzymes and it is used before another preservation or storage process, such as freezing.
- Tindalization - John Tyndall (1855) proposes a heat treatment that can be used on any food. The aim is to obtain the sterilization of food by repeating heating to a temperature of 60 ° C to 90 ° C followed by cooling operations. For being a long and expensive process, it is not commonly used. This technique has the advantage of maintaining organoleptic quality and nutritious food.
- Dehydration and drying. This process tends to exclude or reduce the amount of water in food. As this is essential for life, it prevents the creation of conditions conducive to the development of microorganisms.
The basic dynamics of the drying and dehydration process consists of placing the product through which a volume of hot and dry air will pass. Consequently, the product will heat up and promote the transfer of moisture to the air. It is used in the preservation of meat, fish and grains. It can be done, of course, by leaving the product in the sun or in table salt (dry or previously adding sodium chloride). Salt also dehydrates food by osmosis and creates an unfavorable environment for the survival of microorganisms. Cod and dried meat are preserved by this process.
The shelf life, that is, the period in which food is kept in good condition depends on many factors, such as the state of maturity of the food to be preserved, the amount of moisture it retains, exposure to air and the quality of the products used in proper preparation.
Currently, one of the most important fields of study in terms of gene transfer techniques are studies carried out with so-called synthetic vectors (also used in gene therapy techniques), to avoid the problems derived from the use of viruses for gene transfer. Synthetic vectors (they have had high efficiency in vitro, but low in vivo) are simple to produce, highly stable, and large constructs can be achieved.
