Title: Scientific Methods in Research.

Author: Anonymous (For Peer Review).

Institution: University of the People.

HS 4990 –AY2024-T3- Research Methods in Health Science Part 1

Instructor: Lyliana Crespo.

Written Assignment Unit 2.

Due Date: 15th February 2024.

 Title: Scientific Methods in Research.

Introduction:

The scientific method serves as a systematic approach to conducting

research, guiding scientists in developing hypotheses, designing experiments,

collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions. Through its structured

methodology, the scientific method ensures rigor and reliability in research

outcomes. Abdulghani et al.’s (2020) study, "Does self-esteem lead to the high

achievement of science college students? A study from six health science colleges

examined the relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement among

health science undergraduate students. By analyzing the study’s adherence to the

scientific method, including hypothesis formulation, variable identification,

instrument selection, and data analysis, we can assess its credibility and

contribution to scientific knowledge.

Body.

Scientific methods are systematic approaches scientists use to investigate

natural phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or refine existing knowledge

(Helmenstine, 2014). It typically involves the following steps in conducting

research:

 Observation: Scientists observe phenomena or ask questions about the natural world.

 Hypothesis: Based on observations and prior knowledge, scientists develop a testable

hypothesis, which is a tentative explanation for the observed phenomenon.

 Prediction: The hypothesis leads to predictions of what should happen under certain

conditions if the hypothesis is correct.

 Experimentation: Scientists designed and conducted experiments to test the

predictions derived from the hypothesis. During experimentation, they manipulate

variables and measure outcomes.

 Analysis: Data collected from experiments are statistically analyzed to determine

whether the results support or refute the hypothesis.

 Conclusion: Scientists draw conclusions based on the analysis of data collected. If

the results support the hypothesis, it may be accepted although it is always subject to

further testing and refinement. If the results do not support the hypothesis, scientists

may revise the hypothesis or propose alternative explanations.

Now, let us analyze the Abdulghani et al. (2020) article considering the scientific

method used in this study:

 Observation: The researchers observed a potential relationship between self-esteem

and academic achievement among health science students.

 Hypothesis: Based on prior research indicating a positive correlation between self-

esteem and academic achievement, the authors developed a hypothesis stating that

higher levels of self-esteem correlate with higher academic achievement among

health science students.

 Prediction: Predictions might include expectations that students with higher self-

esteem would have higher GPAs than those with lower self-esteem.

 Experimentation: The researchers employed a quantitative cross-sectional design and

used a questionnaire to collect data from health science students at Princess Nourah

bint Abdulrahman University. They assessed self-esteem using the validated

 Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and evaluated academic achievement using GPA as a

measure.

 Analysis: Data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using statistical

methods such as calculating frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations,

and Pearson’s chi-square tests to evaluate correlations.

 Conclusion: The study found that most health science students reported positive self-

esteem. The analysis revealed significant associations between self-esteem and

certain demographic factors, such as college and year of study. However, specific

statistical results regarding the relationship between self-esteem and GPA were not

explicitly provided in the abstract or results section.

Regarding the trustworthiness of the article as a source of information, there are

several factors to consider:

 Peer Review: The article underwent peer review, indicating that other experts in the

field evaluated its methodology, results, and conclusions for validity and reliability.

 Data Collection and Analysis: The study used a validated instrument for measuring

self-esteem and employed statistical methods for data analysis that enhanced the

credibility of the findings.

 Transparency: The article provides details about the methodology, participants, and

statistical analyses, which allows readers to assess the study’s rigor and

reproducibility.

 Scope and Limitations: While the study addresses an important topic and provides

valuable insights based on a specific population of health science students at one

university, it may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts.

 In conclusion, while Abdulghani et al.’s (2020) article follows the scientific

method and provides valuable information about the relationship between self-esteem

and academic achievement among health science students, readers should consider the

study’s scope, limitations, and the broader body of research in the field when interpreting

its findings. However, Abdulghani et al.’s (2020) study on the relationship between self-

esteem and academic achievement among health science undergraduate students

demonstrated a rigorous application of the scientific method. By developing clear

hypotheses, employing appropriate research instruments, and conducting thorough data

analyses, this study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing students’

academic success. Although the findings provide a positive correlation between self-

esteem and achievement, further research is needed to explore additional variables and

potential moderating factors. Overall, this study contributes to our understanding of the

complex interplay between psychological factors and academic performance,

underscoring the importance of using scientific methods to advance knowledge in the

field of education and psychology.

 References:

Abdulghani, A. H., Almelhem, M., Basmaih, G., Alhumud, A., Alotaibi, R., Wali, A., &

Abdulghani, H. M. (2020). Does self-esteem lead to high achievement of the science

college’s students? A study from the six health science colleges. Saudi Journal of

Biological Sciences, 27(2), 636–642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.11.026

Helmenstine, A. (2014, September 28). Steps of the Scientific Method. Science Notes and

Projects. https://sciencenotes.org/steps-scientific-method/