Scientific Research Methods

Joao Gilberto Correa da Silva

Abstract: The function of the research method is to organize research procedures with the aim of minimizing error, saving effort, and supplying efficient collection of evidence relevant to the research objectives. The literature presents a wide range of research methods, with different procedures and names that vary according to the area of science. Here, the most common research methods in biology and particularly in agriculture are considered in a unified and rational way. Due to their characteristics, each of these methods is more suitable for one of the three objectives of scientific research: exploratory, descriptive and explanatory.

Keywords: Exploratory research, descriptive research, explanatory research, case study, prototype study, mathematical modeling, sample survey, observational study, experiment