I'm not sure how to define these words.
1) moral authorities
2) systematic empirical research
3) scientific research
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/moral_authority
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Empirical_research
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research#Scientific_research
For moral authority, is the definition a very good one even from Wikitionary? Maybe the definition is the same on other sites. I think it's better if I have the non-Wikipedia sites.
You can do the same thing I did.
Google each of those terms.
1) To define the term "moral authorities," you can start by breaking down the words individually. "Moral" refers to principles concerning right and wrong conduct or behavior. "Authorities" typically refers to individuals or institutions with expertise or power in a specific area. Therefore, when combined, "moral authorities" refers to people or institutions that have expertise or power in matters related to moral principles or ethical conduct.
To further understand the concept, you can consider different approaches. For example, from a philosophical perspective, moral authorities might include notable ethicists or philosophers who have provided influential theories and insights into ethical frameworks. From a religious perspective, moral authorities could be religious leaders or texts that provide guidance on moral values and principles. Different cultures and societies might have their own recognized moral authorities based on their respective traditions and belief systems.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding and specific examples of moral authorities, you can turn to academic sources, books on ethics, philosophy, religious texts, or reputable websites that discuss the topic.
2) "Systematic empirical research" refers to a specific approach used in scientific investigations. Understanding the term involves breaking it down into its components: "systematic," "empirical," and "research."
"Systematic" indicates that the research follows a structured and organized plan or methodology. It means that researchers carefully design their studies, establish clear objectives, identify variables, collect data, and analyze the results in a methodical and standardized manner.
"Empirical" means that the research relies on evidence gathered from observations or experiences rather than solely on theory or speculation. Empirical research involves data collection through direct observation, experimentation, or surveys, among other methods. This data provides the basis for testing hypotheses, making inferences, and drawing conclusions.
"Research" refers to the systematic and organized investigation of a subject or problem, aiming to discover new knowledge, answer questions, or solve problems. In scientific research, scholars follow rigorous procedures to gather, analyze, and interpret data to advance knowledge in a particular field.
To understand how to conduct systematic empirical research, it is recommended to explore textbooks, research methodology guides, or academic papers in the specific field you are interested in. These sources will detail the steps involved in designing research studies, selecting appropriate measurement methods, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
3) "Scientific research" refers to the process of systematically investigating a specific phenomenon or problem using the scientific method. It involves the application of objective and rigorous techniques to gather empirical evidence and reach reliable conclusions.
Scientific research typically follows a structured approach involving:
1. Identifying a research question or problem: This involves formulating a clear and specific question or problem that can be explored through research.
2. Reviewing existing literature: Before conducting scientific research, it is essential to review previous studies and scholarly work related to the topic. This helps to identify gaps in knowledge and build on existing theories or findings.
3. Formulating hypotheses or research objectives: Based on the research question and existing knowledge, researchers develop hypotheses or research objectives that guide their investigation.
4. Collecting data: Researchers collect relevant data through various methods, such as experiments, surveys, observations, or interviews. The data collected should be reliable, valid, and representative of the phenomenon being studied.
5. Analyzing data: Researchers use statistical or qualitative analysis techniques to process and interpret the collected data. This involves identifying patterns, relationships, or trends within the data to draw meaningful conclusions.
6. Drawing conclusions and reporting findings: Based on the analysis of data, researchers draw conclusions and validate or reject their initial hypotheses. The results are typically communicated through research papers, articles, or presentations.
To understand scientific research further, you can refer to introductory textbooks on research methods, enroll in courses or workshops on research methodology, or explore reputable academic journals in your field of interest. Additionally, consulting with experienced researchers or professors can provide valuable insights into the specific requirements of scientific research in your area of study.