Preface

Hi there, and welcome to the UMS Pressbooks. “Introduction to the Scientific Method in Research: A Guide for Student Scientists” is a book that I hope you can benefit from it! This textbook has been put together to be your go-to resource as you embark on your research journey. Whether you’re an undergraduate or a postgraduate student, working on science-related research projects or thesis work, this book will provide you with the necessary information and skills to do research. While the primary target readers for this textbook are science students, early-career researchers and academic supervisors can find value in this textbook. Early-career researchers can use the book as a reference to hone their research skills while the supervisors can use it as a structured guide to supervise students throughout their research process.

The main goal of this book is to give you a fundamental understanding of the iterative research process. By integrating the scientific method, this book provides you with a structured and comprehensive approach to research projects. The scientific method is a systematic process and set of procedures that help us engage in research. It is the roadmap that guides us through every step of the research process, which includes making observations and asking questions, constructing hypotheses and defining specific research objectives, the intricate process of designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, coming to reliable conclusions, and disseminating the findings. Understanding and applying scientific method in research are crucial for ensuring the reliability and validity of your research. Throughout each chapter, you’ll find clear explanations, practical examples, and thought-provoking exercises to enhance your understanding and application of scientific method in research.

Research is fun and amazing! It’s the backbone of all discoveries and knowledge. My final-year thesis was my very first research project, as I recall. The thrill of planning the research, collecting data, and arranging it to look for trends was unforgettable. Even though there weren’t any courses teaching students how to conduct research at that time, I am grateful to my supervisor who guided me through the research process and sparked my interest in research, an interest that I still have today. Now, let us embark on this exciting journey through this textbook together. May this book be your guiding light as you navigate the intricate path of research, enabling you to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in your respective fields.

_{Soo Chen Lin (Institute for the Tropical Biology and Conservation, Universiti Malaysia Sabah)}