There are several thousand words in the vocabulary of almost every person. This number essentially depends on his level of education, erudition and general development. According to statistics, the average adult vocabulary is between ten and twelve thousand words.
A characteristic feature of educated people is the correct and appropriate use of their linguistic reserve. The key to competent operation of words and concepts is the appeal to the origins of word formation, as well as the search for reliable, undistorted information.
This article will discuss the origin and meaning of the concept of "method", "system of methods", their types and applications.
Term Definition
The word "method" has Greek roots. Literally translated, it means "the path, following the path." An extended interpretation of the concept includesa set of actions, a sequence of steps or a set of techniques that are aimed at achieving a very specific task. That is, a set of targeted activities is a method. The definition may change slightly when clarifications are made regarding the types and specifics of events, but, in general, the essence remains unchanged.
Varieties of methods
The study of existing methods, their variations and applications led to the creation of a classification. Given the ultimate goal, as well as the specifics of the actions taken, the main methods are distinguished as follows:
- Analytical.
- Deductive.
- Dialectical.
- Inductive.
- Intuitive.
- Scientific.
- Generalized.
- Experimental.
It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of "methods" and "forms", since the former characterize the totality of activities and actions, and the latter - how it happens. More illustratively, the difference can be depicted by the example of the learning process. There are quite a few methods that guide teachers and they also have their own classification, but among the main ones one can single out passive, active and interactive.
At the same time, the form of organization of training can be daytime, evening, correspondence, stationary.
Analytical method: definition and features
The word "analytics", from which the name of the corresponding method comes, means "the art of analysis". This term implies the division of the object under consideration into its constituent elements, their study, measurement,study of. Analytical methods of work involve the collection and processing of information received as a result of using other methods.
Today most of the analytical operations are performed using computers. Their capabilities of simultaneous parallel, rather than sequential processing of the source data allow you to perform analytical actions at superspeed. This approach is used in most areas of scientific, economic, industrial activity to achieve various goals.
Deduction and deductive methods
To understand what a deduction method is, you can read its definition. According to the dictionary, this is a method of making predictions, inferences or conclusions about particular situations or about the characteristics of individual elements of the system. The deductive method is based on the study of the general patterns of a phenomenon or system. In other words, it is the study of the general for the knowledge of the particular.
Deductive methods apply:
- In scientific activity.
- In forensics.
- When learning.
- In economics, statistics, accounting.
- To practice law.
- As an aspect of medical research, and in many other critical areas of human endeavor.
Given the features of the deductive method, it should be emphasized that its effective application is possible only if there are reliable and verified initial data. Since inference is based on analysisprerequisites, their content is essential.
What is the induction method
In contrast to the deductive method described earlier, induction is the generation of a logical conclusion based on the transition from particular to general provisions. Inductive reasoning connects the input data with the conclusion, guided not only by the strict laws of logic, but also with the help of some factual, psychological or mathematical representations. An integral component of such methods are the general patterns inherent in all phenomena in nature.
There is a concept of complete and incomplete induction. In the first case, the method of inductive causation involves the processing of a finite number of particular premises or cases. For a reasonable conclusion, it is necessary that the cases considered cover all possible aspects of the phenomenon.
The concept of "incomplete induction" is to put forward an assumption or hypothesis based on the study (observation) of selected special cases. Naturally, such hypotheses need to be confirmed.
Most often, the method of mathematical induction is used to prove them. With its help, it becomes possible to carry out complete induction for an infinite countable set of objects.
Which method is called dialectic
Summarizing several definitions, we can say that the dialectical method is a method used to prove a position or statement when considering and comparing two cardinallyopposing views. The study of diametrically different points of view allows you to get a true picture of the whole.
Understanding what the method of dialectics is helps to restore the sequence of events in forensic science, jurisprudence and psychotherapy. Dialectics is also widely used in the scientific and economic fields of activity. In economics, this method involves the study of economic processes, as well as their patterns during development and movement. Such an approach makes it possible to establish the interdependence of economic phenomena, as well as the features of their interaction. The dialectical method is effective for identifying existing contradictions and inconsistencies. It is also indispensable in the search for compromise solutions to meet the needs of the warring parties.
The role of intuitive methods in the process of human activity
The complete opposite of analytical methods of decision making and the formation of logical conclusions is intuition. According to the definition, intuitive problem solving methods are a mental activity of a person aimed at subconscious processing of initial data and issuing a quick result. Typically, the process of generating an output is influenced by prior experience, insight, "feel", empathy and imagination of a person.
Intuitive methods are not supernatural, superintelligent or bypassing sensations, thinking and ideas. By and large, they arethe result of a particular way of thinking. Formation of the method occurs when data processing and individual stages of the analysis process are performed almost unconsciously, but the result is extremely clear. Often, the result of intuitive methods is more successful than a random set of actions, but less effective than using analytical and scientific methods.
The scientific method and its specifics
The scientific method is a set of methods used to acquire new knowledge and develop algorithms for solving scientific problems. It is a set of techniques used to study phenomena, streamline, systematize and correct acquired or existing knowledge. The formation of conclusions and conclusions occurs when using the actual data obtained as a result of empirical research. The main base used for data mining includes:
- Experiments.
- Measurements.
- Observations.
On their basis, they build theories and put forward hypothetical assumptions, which become the basis for constructing a mathematical description (model of the object under study).
The scientific method is characterized by objectivity and the complete exclusion of subjective interpretation of the results. This condition is obligatory for the methods used in every science. It is categorically unacceptable to accept on faith any statements, even those coming from recognized authorities in this field. There is a concept of independent verification. Its implementation waswould be impossible without documentation of observations, as well as the availability of source materials, intermediate and final results for review by other scientists.
This approach ensures that additional confirmation is obtained when experiments are successfully reproduced or a critical assessment of the degree of adequacy of the experiment and the result relative to the theory being tested.
The concept of "generalized method"
The use of generic methods allows some systems designed to achieve a specific purpose to be applied to other areas.
Generalized methods may have different origins (most often they are analytical or scientific), but through logical operations after the elimination of specific features, they acquire a new meaning. These methods are broader in scope and less specific.
Conclusion
General information about what the method is, allows you to better navigate when reading specialized literature, studying instructions and recommendations. Familiarity with this concept is of particular importance for participants in the educational process.
