GENERAL DEFINITION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

I. Characteristics and Understanding Scientific Research

Human journey to perfect knowledge and scientific truth is long and tortuous. But with
all the difficulty, humans also managed to reveal the various natural phenomena that have
been blanketing life and human life for centuries. The driving force is curiosity. This curious
desire is then channeled through scientific investigations, so what is now considered
something extraordinary, was once extraordinary things. Scientific investigation (hereinafter
referred to as scientific research) is a human effort to uncover the truth, so that humanity can
stand upon the "scientific truth" it believes.
Charles Pierce put forward the method of exposing the scientific truth as follows:
1. Method of Tenacity, a person's way of expressing scientific truth and believing that his
belief is "right".
2. Method of Authority, an attempt to reveal a truth through a power of authority.
Research is the use of scientific method formally and systematically to answer or solve
problems. In other words, scientific research is an attempt to explain these natural
phenomena. The scientific method is the "soul" of the research, in which the application of
deductive-inductive thinking takes precedence.
Scientific research is the use of scientific method formally and systematically to
solve problems in the field of Natural Science (science), where the object of research is
human life and natural surroundings. The steps in conducting the research are:
• Selection and problem restrictions
• Preparation of hypotheses through literature review
• Collect, organize and analyze data
• Verify whether a hypothesis is rejected or accepted, and
• Formulating conclusions.

A. Classification of Scientific Research

Based on the pattern applied in obtaining data, the research is divided into two parts
namely qualitative research and quantitative research. The difference between the two is
related to the methodology in conducting research and conducting studies, where qualitative
methodologies are more interested in deep understanding of the problem while the
quantitative method is more interested in objective measurement.
Based on the objectives in research, scientific research is distinguished on:
 • pure and applied research
• Evaluation research
• Research and development
Based on the method applied, scientific research is distinguished on:
• Historical research (historical research)
• Descriptive research
• Correlation research
• Causal-comparative and experimental research

Scientific research in its current form, embedded in traditional research, trial and error,
is continuously undergoing development and refinement, so that the systems and methods
applied are getting better and better.
The findings gained from the investigation are generally helpful for improving the
welfare and living standards of mankind throughout the world.

B. Scientific Research Models

Based on the strategy applied, the scientific research model is differentiated
above: static research model and dynamic research model.
a. Static research model
This model describes a research process consisting of three main elements; namely
theoretical understanding, operationalization and hypothesis testing.
Research begins with the idea or interest of researchers to a particular phenomenon.
Such interest can be stimulated by theories read through empirical research from other
studies, or by other factors. The interest was then continued by an attempt to develop a
theoretical understanding.
The next step is the operational stages of the translation phase of concepts are still
common to be variables, indicators and operational definition.
The next stage is testing the hypothesis consisting of:
1. Preparation of research instruments to collect data about the variables to be
studied.
2. Determination of research units and research samples
3. Determination of data collection techniques
4. Determination of analysis techniques, both qualitative and quantitative
 The static research model has several weaknesses: in reality the research process is
never smooth and the research process is a process that invites challenges at every stage.
b. Dynamic research model
Dynamic research models are well expressed by the Wallace model, according to
this model, theories produce hypotheses; hypothesis shows how to observe; observations
produce generalizations, and generalizations give rise to support or argument for
theory. When the argument is obtained the theory needs modification. This new theory will
produce a new hypothesis, the new hypothesis shows how to make observations, and new
observations lead to new conclusions. In other words the research process is a process that
will never end and can start from anywhere depending on the interests and abilities of
researchers.
One clear example in this case is in the development of atomic structures in chemistry.
Thomson's atomic theory was born because the argument over the Dalton atomic theory did
not last long, because Rutherford disagreed, based on experiments scattering alpha particles
that do. And so on until now, we already know the atomic model of quantum mechanics.

C. Selection of Research Topics

The next step is what topic we will examine. This is very important, because after the
determination of research topics, we will be able to formulate research problems and research
titles conducted.
Some resources that can be applied to obtain research topics are as follows:
a. Through the results of observation / observation directly in the field.
b. Through the thinking / research results of other researchers
c. Reading through bibliography, for example: encyclopedic journals, reviews,
theses, dissertations, textbooks, periodicals, bulletins, and so on.
Through a series of activities above, we can get a topic that will be used as a reference
research. However, it should also be noted some basic principles in choosing a research topic.
Noteworthy in topic selection:
a. Topics should be really interesting.
b. Topics have enough significance.
c. Do not choose a topic that causes controversy in society. That is, topics that can
disrupt public unity and peace should be avoided.
d. Topics should still be within the scope of the abilities and skills of researchers.
e. Available enough data required.
 f. There is a cost, tool, and enough time.

D. Implement Scientific Mindset

Scientific research (scientific research) in principle is the embodiment of scientific
thinking patterns of John Dewey. Karl Albrecht in his famous book Brain Power (Learn to
improve your thinking skills) says: "I kept six honest serving men, they taught me all I knew,
their names were: How and Where and Where and who". (Albrecht, 1980: 153).
The above sentence is a modification of John Dewey's basic principles and thinking
patterns. John Dewey is a pioneer of scientific thought patterns, whose principles are applied
in every step of scientific research.
Scientific research will reveal many things, and able to provide an alternative answer to
the problems encountered, if based on the pattern of scientific thinking and not just ... the
research of origin, ... from the finish ... as long as a scholar ... !!
In this world various ways people do to acquire knowledge (understanding the order of
the universe), ranging from the ways of mystical, empirical, experimental, intuition, divine
revelation (word) and others, to the way of analysis (use scientific method).
The situation can we feel based on the interaction we do with various layers of society.
There are people who perform various sacred ceremonies to do something. There are
also people who resigned to all the phenomena experienced, and his life is relatively
unchanged throughout the ages. There are also those who dare to make mistakes before
getting things stably and when something is obtained it will be sustainable all the time.
There are also people who study the universe on the basis of their intuitions, without
being verified. But not a few people whose lives are heavily influenced by divine revelation
(word), without wanting to touch the phenomenon of the universe, through the minds they
have.
One of the human traits that drive the development of the universe (science), is the
nature of curiosity, about the phenomenon of this universe.
There are at least 5 basic assumptions that encourage people to develop knowledge
and technology, namely:
1. The universe exists, formed from matter and energy and occupies space.
2. Man exists and knows the universe through the five senses he possesses. The ability
to recognize as an interaction effect between the five senses with the activity of the
universe. In addition man has behavior, moves (taxis), reflexes, instincts, learning, and
reasoning and intuition, and the adaptability to the environment.
 3. The phenomena of the universe follow causal laws or determinism so that humans
can determine (arrange) axioms, theories, arguments, and simple formulas to
understand it and be used as a lubricant aspect of his life.
4. The human body consists of matter and energy that develops biologically. The
development of the body requires input from the material in the natural surroundings,
which is useful for the development of human life.
5. The energy stored in this universe can be exploited by humans, to facilitate its
work and effort, by following the laws of conservation of energy and the laws of
material determination. Engineering in the field of matter and energy is referred to as
technology.
The nature of curiosity and willing to do something about the secrets of this universe
must be based on the scientific method, so that everything done can be easily understood, and
useful for other human life. Scientific methods guide us in doing something, especially in
implementing the development of science and technology. Scientific method is a procedure
used by technology scientists by developing theories, arguments, assumptions, hypotheses,
measurement and data analysis, so that the existence of the object can be understood by
others, to develop or obtain new things about the object.
The procedures adopted by scientific methods in the development of science are:
1. Be aware of a problem in an object (population).
2. Gather information relevant to the problem through observation (empirical),
experts, literature or media in circulation.
3. Submitting hypotheses about problems, formulating problems or making
questions about problems encountered.
4. Conducting observations or experiments to measure or detect data, collect data
with valid and reliable instruments.
5. Analyze the data and test the proposed hypothesis or answer the questions asked.
6. Summing up the results of data analysis, generalize to:
a. create a new theory
b. see if the results support the existing theory.
c. or to see if the analysis results abort the existing theory.
7. Disseminate findings (theory) to the public through scientific journals, seminars,
workshops or other scientific media.
How humans observing, shaving, analyzing, and drawing conclusions about the
trueness of an object and its causality effects on other objects, necessarily requires a method
or method that can be accountable and easily understood by others. The method that is
commonly used by scientists is the statistical method.
The scientific method is closely related to the philosophy of science. Philosophy of
science is part of the epistemology (philosophy of knowledge) that physically examines the
nature of science (scientific knowledge). Scientific method is a process in gaining knowledge
called science. In other words, science is the knowledge gained through the scientific method.
Science as a scientific method contains principles that are: systematic and exact, empirical,
and objective (Nasution, 2001).
The scientific method is the procedure used by scientists in the systematic search for
new knowledge and the reconsideration of existing knowledge (The Liang Gie, 1999). The
conditions that must be met for knowledge to be called science are listed in what is called the
scientific method. A method is a procedure or a way of knowing something, which has
systematic steps. Methodology is an assessment in studying the rules in the method. Thus
scientific methodology is an examination of the rules contained in the scientific method.
Philosophically this methodology is included in epistemology, which examines how to gain
knowledge.
Simply put, scientific knowledge is the kind of knowledge acquired and justified
scientifically correct or by applying a scientific method or work. The scientific method
according to Sudarminta (2002), is a systematic procedure or step that needs to be taken in
order to acquire knowledge based on sensory perception and involves trials of hypotheses
(tentative assumptions) and theories in a controlled manner. Sensory observation usually
begins or ends the process of scientific work, because it is often called scientific work also a
circle or empirical cycle. Based on observations of events, either from direct experience of
nature or from experimental results designed, through induction can be formulated
hypotheses that explain the problems faced.
Every human being, especially scientists use his brain to think. Thinking is a mental
activity that produces knowledge. The scientific method is an expression of how the mind
works. Thus, the resulting knowledge is expected to have the characteristics requested by
scientific knowledge, namely the rational and tested nature that allows the body of knowledge
it creates is a reliable knowledge. In this case, the scientific method tries to combine
deductive way of thinking (reasoning) and inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is a
process of thinking that departs and something that exists, leading to a new proposition in the
form of a conclusion (conclusion). This conclusion follows exactly the base of the mind
based on form, not determined by the content or material of the reasoning. Therefore, if the
base of thought is true, then the conclusion must be true. Inductive reasoning rests on
induction which is a method of thinking that departs from specific rules (things or events), to
define common laws (rules). The determination of general rules is based on specific matters.
Inductive conclusions are always generalizations, meaning they always include a large
number of special events. In inductive reasoning is usually done by observation and
experimentation, the formulation of hypotheses, verification, theorizing or scientific law as
intellectual abstraction by combining rational approach with empirical experience (Lasiyo,
2003).
The flow of thinking covered by the scientific method can be elaborated in several steps
that reflect the stages in scientific activity. These stages are known as logico-hypothetico-
verification scientific frameworks, through the following processes:
1. The formulation of the problem, which is the question of the clear empirical object
of its limits and can be identified the factors that are related in it;
2. Preparation of the framework in the submission of hypotheses, which is an
argument that explains the possible relationships between the various factors that
interconnect and form a constellation of problems. This thinking framework is
rationally based on scientifically tested premises, taking into account the empirical
factors relevant to the problem;
3. The formulation of the hypothesis, which is a temporary answer or a conjecture to
the proposed question whose material is the conclusion of the developed frame of
mind;
4. Testing the hypothesis, which is the collection of facts relevant to the hypothesis
proposed to show whether there are facts that support the hypothesis or not;
5. A conclusion, which is an assessment of whether a proposed hypothesis is rejected
or accepted. If in the testing process there are enough facts to support the hypothesis,
then the hypothesis is accepted. Conversely, if in the testing process there is not enough
data to support the hypothesis, then the hypothesis was rejected. The accepted
hypothesis is then considered to be a part of scientific knowledge, because it has
fulfilled the scientific. requirements of having a framework of explanation consistent
with previous scientific knowledge and has been tested for its truth. The notion of truth
here must be interpreted pragmatically, which means that until now there has been no
fact that states otherwise.

II. Outline Research

 It is well known that universities in Indonesia are developing tri (three) dharma or
tasks, namely:
a. Education task
b. Research task
c. The duty of community service.
Research conducted by undergraduate teachers / educators is generally the basis for
writing the final assignment. The final assignment of undergraduate teachers / educators is
called thesis.
In general, an outline of research is the first step of a scientific research, which is the
basis for the preparation of thesis (for undergraduate program) and Thesis (for graduate
program). From the outline of the study, then compiled a research proposal. This research
proposal will be the next Chapter I, Chapter II, and Chapter III in thesis / thesis. In general,
the thesis of the undergraduate program (study program of education) contains: the
preparatory section, the main body of the thesis, complementary components such as
reference libraries, and attachments. The preparatory section is placed before the main body,
and is followed by complementary components and attachments. The outline / outline of the
study has the following outline:

Chapter I Introduction
1) Background Issues
2) Problem Identification
3) Limitation Problems
4) Problem Formulation
5) Research Objectives
6) Research Benefits
7) Operational Definition

CHAPTER II Literature Review

1) Theoretical framework
2) Conceptual Framework

CHAPTER III Research Methods

1) Place and Time of Research
2) Preparation
 3) Procedures
4) Data Analysis Technique
5) Population
6) Sample
7) Data Collecting Instrument
8) Research design

CHAPTER IV Results of Research and Discussion

1) The results of the study
2) Discussion

CHAPTER V Conclusions and Suggestions

1) Conclusion
2) Advice

From the outline of the study, then compiled a research proposal. This research
proposal will be the next Chapter I, Chapter II, and Chapter III in thesis / thesis. Thesis
opening section consists of:
a) Thesis title page
b) Approval page Supervisor and endorsement lecturer and Faculty
c) Curriculum vitae
d) Abstract or summary
e) Preface
f) Table of contents, List of Drawings, List of Tables, and List of Attachments.

Things to consider, for the title of research to be done, cultivated so that the title of
research is short, directed to aspects to be researched, clear, so as not to bring a variety of
interpretations.