Introduction

This flowchart outlines the research process in a clear and logical format. Each step represents a critical phase in conducting meaningful and ethical research. By following the flow from one stage to the next, students can confidently navigate the research journey with structure and purpose.

*This image was created using napkin.ai; however, the concept, design direction, and creative vision were conceived by Dr. Knight and Chris Cardenas

(This needs to be moved to the top of the page, but I couldn’t figure out how to do it.)

This chapter introduces the fundamental role of scientific thinking in the social sciences. The information provided will help you understand what science is—and what it is not—and help you navigate the information-saturated world around you. Whether reading journal articles, watching the news, or advocating for evidence-based change in a community, your ability to think scientifically is critical.

Scientific thinking involves more than just curiosity—it is a structured and intentional way of seeking knowledge. In the social sciences, this means observing and examining human behavior, social relationships, and group dynamics using systematic methods. Rather than relying on opinion or tradition, researchers employ systematic steps to gather evidence, identify patterns, and construct understanding. This approach enables us to explore the complexity of close relationships and family systems in a thoughtful and evidence-based manner.

This chapter introduces you to various methods people use to gain knowledge about the world around them. It will help you understand that while all of these methods have value, the scientific method offers a particularly powerful approach. It gives us the tools to ask important questions, test ideas, and evaluate evidence deliberately and transparently.

This chapter will explore why scientific research is essential, how to think critically about the information we encounter, and how the two major research approaches—qualitative and quantitative—work together to deepen our understanding of human behavior and social patterns.

By the conclusion of this chapter, you will better understand what science is—and what it is not—so you can more effectively assess the ideas, opinions, and information you come across in daily life.