scholarly journals Justifying method choice: a heuristic-instrumentalist account of scientific methodology

Synthese ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Till Grüne-Yanoff
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Heuristic Method ◽  
Instrumental Rationality ◽  
Belief Formation ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Method Choice ◽  
Independent Form ◽  
Assessing Method ◽  
Better Than

AbstractScientific methods are heuristic in nature. Heuristics are simplifying, incomplete, underdetermined and fallible problem-solving rules that can nevertheless serve certain goals in certain contexts better than truth-preserving algorithms. Because of their goal- and context-dependence, a framework is needed for systematic choosing between them. This is the domain of scientific methodology. Such a methodology, I argue, relies on a form of instrumental rationality. Three challenges to such an instrumentalist account are addressed. First, some authors have argued that the rational choice of at least some methods, namely those supporting belief formation, is not goal-dependent. Second, some authors have observed that some method choices seem intuitively rational, even though relevant goals are lacking. Thirdly, some authors have argued that instrumental rationality itself depends on a goal-independent form of rationality. It is the heuristic nature of scientific methods that affords me the arguments against these challenges. This heuristic-instrumentalist account provides the means-ends analysis needed to evaluate heuristic method choice. The paper thus offers the conceptual basis for a scientific methodology that is both compatible with the heuristic nature of actual scientific practice and also normatively relevant for assessing method choice.

scholarly journals The systemic-praxeological approach to the methodology of primary scientific activity of the management science system

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-17
Author(s):  
Hubert Witczak
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Method ◽  
Scientific Reasoning ◽  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Management Science ◽  
Scientific Activity ◽  
Scientific Models ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Science System ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Definition Of

The scientific methodology of management science (MSc) is consistent in terms of direction with the overall methodology of sciences. Still, it continues to pose significant challenges. One such challenge is the problem of system characteristics of MSc methodology at the highest level of scientific practice, i.e. praxeology and systems theory. There are also the problems of MSc synthesis, i.e. the definition of its universal scope, in the light of its increasing diversity and specialisation of doma-ins. This paper aims to elaborate on the achievements to date in management science on the grounds of the systemic-pra-xeological approach, scientific synthesis of methodology, with a particular focus on the role of reasoning and inference. My assertion is that methodology is a subsystem of the core of primary scientific activity of MSc, comprising the com-ponents of scientific practice focused around the scientific method (methods). Its objective domain extends beyond the cognitive function (C), also encompassing value assignment (A), determination of post-diagnosis scientific action (R), deci-sions about scientific models (N) and implementation of scientific models (I) –CARNI system. The scientific methodology of MSc is specifically a product of scientific problems as well as the goals, principles and methods used to solve them, for-ming an exceedingly complex system. Scientific reasoning and inference are not stand-alone scientific methods – they are ingredients of every scientific method. What sets the scientific method apart is the capability of a given scientific manner to solve a given scientific problem.

The Research of Heuristic Algorithm for Flow Shop Scheduling Problem

2012 ◽  
Vol 605-607 ◽  
pp. 528-531
Author(s):  
Dan Tang ◽  
Hong Ping Shu
Keyword(s):  
Heuristic Algorithm ◽  
Processing Time ◽  
Flow Shop ◽  
Heuristic Method ◽  
Flow Shop Scheduling ◽  
Scheduling Problem ◽  
Average Quality ◽  
Simulation Experiments ◽  
Shop Scheduling ◽  
Better Than

For the flow shop scheduling problem which aims to minimize makespan, this paper gives a new derivation about its mathematical definition, and mining characteristics of the problem itself further. By which analysis, the new heuristic method proposed in the paper shorten the waiting time of each job as much as possible on the basis of reduce the processing time of the first machine and last job. The result of simulation experiments shows that, our new heuristic algorithm has good performance, and the average quality and stability of scheduling sequences generated by new method is significantly better than other heuristic algorithm which has the same complexity.

scholarly journals A Proposed Future Vision for Improving the Virtual Learning Culture in Jordanian Schools

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Lina Kleaf AlQallab ◽  
Mohammad Saleem Al-Zboon
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Virtual Education ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Mental Skills ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Primary Stage ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Societal Problems ◽  
Education Culture ◽  
Future Vision

The present study aimed to identify the future vision for developing the culture of virtual education in Jordanian schools by identifying the reality of the virtual education culture and the difficulties in applying this type of education.The study sample consisted of (2000) teachers and teachers representing all the directorates of education in Jordan, and were selected in the random stratified manner.The results showed that the reality of the virtual education culture in Jordanian schools from the point of view of the primary stage teachers in Jordan was high and that the difficulties facing virtual education in Jordan were high. Based on the results, the paper recommended to Bringing up people who accept the culture of change and adapt to it which shall enable them to seek achieving their ambitions and develop their potentials. and Promoting a culture that is based on a scientific methodology and employing people’s mental skills and scientific methods to find practical solutions for societal problems. The vision’s outlines include developing a personality that is capable to reach knowledge through using various sources of information.

scholarly journals Verifiability and Falsifiability as Parameters for Scientific Methodology

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Sandhya Shankar
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Method ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Karl Popper ◽  
Human Knowledge ◽  
Sense Experience ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
The World ◽  
The Mind

The question of „how do we come to know‟ has been the search of mankind since time immemorial. Neither has there been a consensus for that question nor there will be. Many a great minds have looked into this, coming up with various perspectives. Two such varying perspectives in this field are empiricism and rationalism. While the former emphasizes that experience (through senses) is the only source of knowledge the latter upholds that there is something beyond the sense experience, the mind that is the source of knowledge. The shift towards a scientific phase from that of the earlier theological and metaphysical phase gained popularity with positivism, where progress of human knowledge was considered in identifying truths through scientific methods. In this scientific journey towards knowing the world emphasis was on empirically observable things. It was believed that there are no ideas which come into our head without being dependent on our perceptions, thereby on our experience. The basis of classical science was considered getting empirical observations. It had to be a systematic way of studying what is out there. Purpose of science was considered to be limited to things which can be observed, thus being connected to a means of being verified. This paper thus looks into the notion of verifiability as an important parameter of scientific methodology and its importance as asserted by logical positivists. But this criteria of scientific method was challenged by another criteria, that of falsifiability. The next section will look into falsifiability as another parameter of scientific methodology. Since these parameters have been discussed widely among philosophers, this paper shall be focusing on the views of A. J. Ayer and Sir Karl Popper regarding the same. Furthermore, its application and relevance to the field of linguistics will also be discussed.

scholarly journals Individual Law as the Basis of Legal Behavior of an Individual

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
A V Krasnov ◽  
A V Skorobogatov
Keyword(s):  
Specific Situation ◽  
Scientific Rationality ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Methodological Basis ◽  
Independent Form ◽  
The Individual

Object of research - the individual law inf luencing along with positive and social, on law behavior of the individual. The mechanism of forming and action of the individual law is considered.Research methodology. A methodological basis of article is the post-classical scientific rationality which determined the choice of private and scientific methods of a research: comparative, anthropological, system.Novelty of a research and conclusions. The individual law is considered as the independent form of law as the system of the regulations and values created in the process of social and individual law experience of the individual, determining his law behavior in a specific situation.

scholarly journals Per una fondazione ontologica della “riduzione consapevole e cooperante”

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giampaolo Ghilardi ◽  
Vittoradolfo Tambone
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Human Knowledge ◽  
Viktor Frankl ◽  
Conditions Of Possibility ◽  
Scientific Reduction ◽  
Clinical Methodology ◽  
Different Levels

Il presente lavoro analizza i presupposti ontologici della metodologia scientifica identificata nella formula “riduzione consapevole e cooperante”. Viene studiata l’idea di essere sottesa alle riduzioni scientifiche, distinguendo tra riduzioni legittime e riduzionismo inadeguato, per valutare all’interno della metodologia clinica la complessità dell’agire scientifico. Si sono quindi ricercate le radici ontologiche della complessità nella scienza, approdando così al realismo dimensionale teorizzato per primo da Viktor Frankl. La rigorizzazione di questo modello analitico ci ha condotti a recuperare il tema filosofico dell’analogia quale strumento importante per la razionalità scientifica, in grado mantenere in tensione feconda tra loro i diversi elementi del discorso epistemologico. Questo percorso si è quindi sviluppato sulle condizioni di possibilità della conoscenza umana, rintracciando nella nozione di “potenzialità futura” il tratto distintivo dell’impresa conoscitiva. Il tema è quindi stato approfondito nei suoi fondamenti ontologici principali, analizzando i concetti di potenzialità e possibilità applicati all’ambito conoscitivo. La fondazione ontologica del modello conoscitivo analizzato viene pertanto trovata in un essere analogico, vale a dire composto su diversi livelli non esauribili concettualmente dall’indagine scientifica, ma neppure estranei alla capacità d’indagine umana. ---------- The present work develops the ontological presuppositions of scientific methodology labeled as “aware and cooperative reduction”. The idea of being underlying scientific reduction is analyzed by distinguishing among legitimate and improper reductionism. This framework is useful to assess within the context of clinical methodology the complexity of scientific practice. We also focus on the ontological roots of complexity in science, reaching to what Viktor Frankl has named “dimensional realism”. Thanks to this analytical model we recovered the theme of analogy as an important instrument of scientific rationality, which allows to keep together both the objective and the subjective instances of the epistemological domain. This speculative path lead us to ask about the conditions of possibility of human knowledge. In so doing, we have found the notion of “future potentiality” to be the mark of human knowledge. The result of our inquiry is that “analogical being” is the ontological foundation of scientific methodology. The ontological idea of “analogy” conveys an understanding of being constituted by different levels, or dimensions, which are not conceptually exhaustible within scientific research, but which are nevertheless accessible by human investigation.

A Tunneling Based Method for Mixed-Discrete Constrained Nonlinear Optimization

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Kott ◽  
Gary A. Gabriele
Keyword(s):  
Optimization Problems ◽  
Heuristic Method ◽  
New Method ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Design Problems ◽  
Classical Design ◽  
Continuous Problems ◽  
Discrete Optimization Problems ◽  
Better Than

Abstract This paper describes the development of a new method to solve mixed-discrete optimization problems. The method is a two phase approach similar to Tunnel Methods developed for global optimization of continuous problems. It uses a SQP optimization solver in the first phase and an efficient rounding procedure to find discrete solutions in the second phase. All components utilized in this heuristic method are implemented with an emphasis on efficiency. The method was implemented in MATLAB and the solutions of three classical design problems are given. The results show the new method is very robust in finding high quality solutions which are consistently as good or better than past published results.

scholarly journals Telephone or integrated contraception counselling before abortion: impact on method choice and receipt

2018 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 114-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia A Lohr ◽  
Abigail R A Aiken ◽  
Tracey Forsyth ◽  
James Trussell
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Telephone Counselling ◽  
Contraceptive Methods ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Method Choice ◽  
Advisory Service ◽  
Intrauterine Contraception ◽  
Tier 1 ◽  
Better Than

BackgroundIncorporating thorough contraception counselling into an abortion consultation is challenging. We compared contraceptive choices and methods received between two counselling models: (1) telephone counselling separate from the abortion consultation and (2) face-to-face counselling integrated into the consultation.MethodsWe obtained de-identified data on demographic characteristics and contraceptive methods that had been chosen and received by women who had an abortion at British Pregnancy Advisory Service between 2011 and 2014 and had a choice of counselling models. We compared the characteristics of women who chose each model of counselling and the contraceptive methods they chose and received using Fisher’s exact test, and used logistic regression to explore associations between counselling model and choice and receipt of Tier 1 contraceptive methods (intrauterine contraception, implant, sterilisation), controlling for covariates.ResultsThe sample included 18 573 women. Women choosing telephone counselling were more likely to be non-White (34% vs 22%, P<0.001), to report prior difficulty obtaining contraception (40% vs 3%, P<0.001), and to have not used contraception at conception (37.1% vs 33.8%, P<0.001). Overall, 93% of women chose a contraceptive method after counselling. Telephone counselling was significantly associated with both choosing and receiving a Tier 1 method (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.66 to 1.96 and OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.71, respectively). Fewer women who had telephone counselling received a less effective method (eg, condom, diaphragm) compared with those who chose integrated counselling (6.0% vs 19.2%, P<0.001).DiscussionTelephone-based contraception counselling separate from the abortion consultation may serve some women better than integrated counselling, particularly those reporting past difficulty obtaining contraception.

The Study of Design Research Methodology

1995 ◽  
Vol 117 (2A) ◽  
pp. 211-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Reich
Keyword(s):  
Research Methodology ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Scientific Methodology ◽  
Research Practice ◽  
Research Methodologies ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
Design Research Methodology ◽  
Better Than

Studies on design research methodology are infrequent, although there is a consensus that more effort is needed for improving design research quality. Previous calls for exercising better research methodology have been unsuccessful. As numerous studies reveal, there is no single scientific methodology that is exercised in science or in any other research practice. Rather, research methodologies are socially constructed. Since some constructions are better than others for different purposes, it becomes valuable to study different methodologies and their influence on research practice and results. Proposals for such studies are offered.

TOWARDS CONCEPTUAL REPRESENTATION AND INVOCATION OF SCIENTIFIC COMPUTATIONS

2012 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 447-489
Author(s):  
HAJO RIJGERSBERG ◽  
JAN TOP ◽  
BOB WIELINGA
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Semantic Processing ◽  
Scientific Practice ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Conceptual Representation ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Food Research ◽  
Software Packages ◽  
Scientific Computations

Computers are central in processing scientific data. This data is typically expressed as numbers and strings. Appropriate annotation of "bare" data is required to allow people or machines to interpret it and to relate the data to real-world phenomena. In scientific practice however, annotations are often incomplete and ambiguous — let alone machine interpretable. This holds for reports and papers, but also for spreadsheets and databases. Moreover, in practice it is often unclear how the data has been created. This hampers interpretation, reproduction and reuse of results and thus leads to suboptimal science. In this paper we focus on annotation of scientific computations. For this purpose we propose the ontology OQR (Ontology of Quantitative Research). It includes a way to represent generic scientific methods and their implementation in software packages, invocation of these methods and handling of tabular datasets. This ontology promotes annotation by humans, but also allows automatic, semantic processing of numerical data. It allows scientists to understand the selected settings of computational methods and to automatically reproduce data generated by others. A prototype application demonstrates this can be done, illustrated by a case in food research. We evaluate this case with a number of researchers in the considered domain.

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