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Difference Between Science and Research

The Difference Between Research & Science The terms science and research are often used together, sometimes even interchangeably. It is not uncommon to read about a science project or research project, with each referring to the same undertaking. But they are really not the same; in fact, one is actually part of the other. Science Definition o Science comes from the Latin word “scientia,” which simply means knowledge. Modern definitions are more complex, and refer to the step-by-step acquisition of knowledge. Research Definition o Research refers to the actual gathering of information.

This can be by observation, and can mean even gathering information on the Internet. But when used in a scientific context, the rules are more rigid. The Scientific Method o The scientific method involves a process and starts with a question. A systematic approach then answers the question through several steps and ends with a conclusion. The science—or knowledge—is then established. Research is a Step o Research is but a step in the knowledge quest, and it is the first one. Once the question is asked, research follows, and it is focused solely on the question or “hypothesis. Facts are gathered to either prove or disprove the hypothesis in the next step, which is experimentation. Considerations o While “research” is used today to mean anything from researching (reading) a book and writing a review to locating the best deal on a car, when used in the context of science it refers to one step in the scientific method. Science and research Introduction Science and research or scientific methods are often used interchangeably. In a strict sense the two terms have different connotations.

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We can define research as the search for knowledge or any systematic investigation to establish facts. The primary purpose for applied research (as opposed to basic research) is discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe. Science on the other hand can be defined in its broadest sense, as any systematic knowledge-base or prescriptive practice that is capable of resulting in a prediction or predictable type of outcome.

In this sense, science may refer to a highly skilled technique or practice or it can be defined as a systematic knowledge of natural or physical phenomenonn;ascertained by observation ,experiment and induction; ordered arrangement of facts known under classes or heads ;theoretical knowledge as distinguished from practical;knowledge of principles and rules of intervention ,construction mechanism as ,etc,as distinguished from art. Science and research can therefore be said to be concerned with the discovery of new facts . In research ,facts are collected to serve a useful purpose;the focus is on application. Hence we talk of “applied research”.

In science however ,facts are collected with the sole purpose of testing or developing theory;the focus is on basic research. Repeatability. Results obtained through science and research must, for the most part, hold true time and again. If a scientific experiment and research yields significantly different results each time it is conducted, none of the data sets collected from the experiment can be regarded as having any probability of being the truth. Regardless of who conducts the experiment or how many times it is repeated, the results must be substantially the same time and again. Results that cannot…

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