Hypothetical-deductive Method Research Articles

Da Gnosiologia à Epistemologia: Um Caminho Científico para Uma Terapia Baseada em Evidências

Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir como conceitos da teoria do conhecimento, particularmente a gnosiologia e a epistemologia, podem contribuir para o estudo das bases filosóficas da terapia cognitiva. Outro objetivo deste trabalho é analisar a influência do construtivismo e do racionalismo crítico no desenvolvimento dos objetivos terapêuticos e das técnicas em terapia cognitiva. Esses objetivos são alcançados a partir da revisão do idealismo transcendental de Kant, do conceito de construtivismo e da influência da psicologia cognitiva na terapia cognitiva. Analisa-se também a terapia cognitiva como uma prática científica, baseada no método hipotético-dedutivo. Nesse sentido, as etapas do processo terapêutico em terapia cognitiva e a aplicabilidade de algumas técnicas cognitivas e comportamentais em cada etapa são analisadas a partir do método hipotético-dedutivo, utilizando como analogia as práticas de pesquisa. Por fim, discute-se a visão da terapia cognitiva como um processo de aprendizagem e a influência do terapeuta no processo terapêutico.

Agent-Based Reasoning in Medical Planning and Diagnosis Combining Multiple Strategies

Medical reasoning describes a form of qualitative inquiry that examines the cognitive (thought) processes involved in making medical decision. In this field the goal for diagnostic reasoning is assessing causes of observed conditions in order to make informed choices about treatment. In order to design a diagnostic reasoning method we merge ideas from a hypothetic-deductive method and the Domino model. In this setting, we introduce the so called Hypothetic-Deductive-Domino (HD-D) algorithm. In addition, a multi-agent approach is presented, which takes advantage of the HD-D algorithm for illuminating different standpoints in a diagnostic reasoning and assessment process, and for reaching a well-founded conclusion. This multi-agent approach is based on the so called Observer and Validating agents. The Observer agents are supported by a deductive inference process and the Validating agents are supported by an abductive inference process. The knowledge bases of these agents are captured by a class of possibilistic logic programs. Hence, these agents are able to deal with qualitative information. The approach is illustrated by a real scenario from diagnosing dementia diseases.

Marketing of works as a source of the new hybrid offerings in widened marketing of goods, works and services

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is the justification of a new conception of the marketing of works. The paper supports this new conception of the marketing of goods, works, and services instead of the existing conception of the marketing of goods and services. The paper also introduces new concepts of hybrid offerings. Design/methodology/approach – The paper develops hypotheses on the basis of a hypothetical-deductive method, the application of analysis and synthesis for justification of the proposed concepts, and interviews with top marketing managers of shipyards to substantiate the necessity of marketing of works. Findings – Marketing of works is a new line of marketing activity and a source of new hybrid offerings. A widened marketing of goods, works, and services must replace the existing marketing of goods and services, which does not apply completely in the sale of works. The main difference between works and services is an ability to change the market value of objects. “Goods+works” and “works+services” are the new particular hybrid offerings and “goods+works+services” is the new general hybrid offering. Practical implications – Marketing of works plays a key role in many branches of industry, including house building, airplane production, the repair of vessels, the reclamation of land, and so on. Works are elements of the new hybrid offerings and the new marketing of goods, works, and services. Originality/value – Initially, the new marketing of works appeared as a part of the marketing of industrial services. Conceptions of the marketing of works and the marketing of goods, works, and services are new results that develop the existing marketing of goods and services. The particular hybrid offerings “goods+works” and “works+services” and the general hybrid offering “goods+works+services” are also new results.

Formulação de Estratégia Competitiva pelo Modelo de Campos e Armas da Competição: Verificação da Aplicabilidade e Adequação a uma Rede de Academias de Ginástica

Porter and RBV theorists, although clearly expose their concepts of competitive strategy, does not clearly show how to employ them for the competitive business strategy formulation, which complicates the practical application. This motivated the authors of this article searching as other theorists circumvent this difficulty and found the fields and weapons of the competition model (CAC) developed by Contador, model that combines and integrates the concepts of Porter and RBV. The CAC, simultaneously analog and symbolic model, qualitative and quantitative, consistently structured and scientifically validated by many studies in companies, primordially serves to understand, explain and increase enterprise competitiveness. Contador epistemologically verified the adherence to reality to the companies of their concepts and constructs. To fill the gap of the aforementioned concepts, Contador proposed a process of formulating competitive strategy. As this process has been tested a few times, the authors decided to conduct the study reported herein, whose objective was verify if this process is sufficient for proposing competitive strategies that would increase the competitiveness of a network of gyms. Through an exploratory qualitative and quantitative research and based on Popperian hypothetical-deductive method, it was found the sufficiency of the process because all business strategies proposals were accepted by the principal owner of the gym and only 4.5% operational strategic actions suggested were not, which led to the acceptance of the hypothesis.

Competitive Strategy Formulation Through the Fields and Weapons of the Competition Model: Verification of Applicability and Adaptation for a Network of Gymnastics Academies

Porter and RBV theorists, although clearly expose their concepts of competitive strategy, does not clearly show how to employ them for the competitive business strategy formulation, which complicates the practical application. This motivated the authors of this article searching as other theorists circumvent this difficulty and found the fields and weapons of the competition model (CAC) developed by Contador, model that combines and integrates the concepts of Porter and RBV. The CAC, simultaneously analog and symbolic model, qualitative and quantitative, consistently structured and scientifically validated by many studies in companies, primordially serves to understand, explain and increase enterprise competitiveness. Contador epistemologically verified the adherence to reality to the companies of their concepts and constructs. To fill the gap of the aforementioned concepts, Contador proposed a process of formulating competitive strategy. As this process has been tested a few times, the authors decided to conduct the study reported herein, whose objective was verify if this process is sufficient for proposing competitive strategies that would increase the competitiveness of a network of gyms. Through an exploratory qualitative and quantitative research and based on Popperian hypothetical-deductive method, it was found the sufficiency of the process because all business strategies proposals were accepted by the principal owner of the gym and only 4.5% operational strategic actions suggested were not, which led to the acceptance of the hypothesis.

Las relaciones fiscales intergubernamentales. Una aproximación al contexto jurídico de la tributación local en México

El estudio parte de dos premisas: a) la Constitución es la Ley Suprema, que da origen a la organización de un Estado, por ser la expresión más completa de la soberanía popular, al definir los órganos y competencias de que estará dotado en sus diferentes órdenes de gobierno; y b) en modelos de Estado Federal como el mexicano, es indispensable que sus órdenes de gobierno, hagan uso de la potestad recaudatoria que les corresponde, evitando que su actuación financiera sólo se limite a la aplicación del gasto. El artículo, es parte de un proyecto de investigación sobre hacienda pública municipal, en el que se pondera la importancia de la corresponsabilidad recaudatoria. Es una investigación documental y para su desarrollo se utiliza el método hipotético-deductivo.

Theory Building in Qualitative Research: Reconsidering the Problem of Induction

The problem of induction refers to the difficulties involved in the process of justifying experience-based scientific conclusions. More specifically, inductive reasoning assumes a leap from singular observational statements to general theoretical statements. It calls into question the role of empirical evidence in the theory-building process. In the philosophy of science, the validity of inductive reasoning has been severely questioned since at least the writings of David HUME. At the same time, induction has been lauded as one of the main pillars of qualitative research methods, and its identity as such has consolidated to the detriment of hypothetical-deductive methods. This article proposes reviving discussion on the problem of induction in qualitative research. It is argued that qualitative methods inherit many of the tensions intrinsic to inductive reasoning, such as those between the demands of empiricism and of formal scientific explanation, suggesting the need to reconsider the role of theory in qualitative research.

The contingency determinants in the performance of African municipal public services: an empirical study

The aim of this article is to examine the contingency determinants in the performance of municipal public services of Cameroonian cities. This objective requires two related studies: the first consists of contributing to the understanding of municipal practices regarding the measurement of performance while the second consists of identifying the factors likely to influence the performance of municipal public services. The study relies on the hypothetical-deductive method. Two questionnaires were administered to both local elected officials and to different managers responsible for the public services visited. Globally, the results show the existence of structural factors influencing the performance of Cameroonian municipal public services.

Clinical reasoning of medical students in a public university in Brazil

The aim of this research was to understand the reasoning developed by medical students in a public university in Brazil. This research on education included semi-structured interviews and film recordings of interns discussing 10 clinical cases. A sample of 16 interns analyzed cases presented on a notebook computer with a webcam. They were instructed to verbalize all their thoughts on the procedures they would use. The film recordings and transcripts of the interviews were analyzed. Quantitative data was evaluated using Yates' chi-squared test and speech analysis was used to evaluate the transcripts. The theme worked on in the practice of reasoning was: the student's perceptions of their clinical practice. Of the 160 diagnoses, 57% were done with analytical reasoning and 43% with non-analytical reasoning. The hypothetical deductive method was employed by 31% of the interns and the inductive method was employed by 69%. The diagnostic accuracy was 81% correct for easy cases and 85% correct for difficult cases. We observed two empirical categories: the cognitive universe of the student and the patient's context.

PIS/PASEP, COFINS e EFD-contribuições: aplicação da legislação na contabilidade tributária - percepção de especialistas em tributos

The main objective of this study is to analyse the perception of tax specialists on the application of PIS/Pasep, Cofins and EFD-Contributions legislation in Tax Accounting. The study uses the hypothetical-deductive method, descriptive, bibliographical and field research and data collection through a questionnaire. The results show that tax specialists exhibited agreement bias that the tax obligations are impaired by excessive rules in the legislation (83%); by difficulty of interpreting the law (80%); by dispersion of information (80% ); by legislation complexity (94%); by the law frequently updating (98%); by the variety of schemes, tax rates and special situations (78%); by legal acts with immediate enforcement (80%) and by the input concept (83%). Regarding the EFD-contributions, the study records agreement bias to the statement that compliance with the tax obligation will require more knowledge (80%); it will take longer (74%) and it will be more complex (87%). Additionally, the study registers agreement bias that the legislation complexity creates additional costs for entities (85%) and to the statement that expansion of the input concept by Administrative Board of Tax Appeals - CARF facilitates the fulfillment of the tax (63%). The bibliographical research was confirmed in the field research by the perception of tax specialists, indicating urgent need to review the structure of the legislation related to PIS/Pasep and Cofins to make it fair to taxpayers and convenient for application in Tax Accounting.

Towards a contribution to modularity concepts and principal domains

Modularity concept emerged in the 1960's within the computer industrial sector, bringing considerable competitive advantages and benefits. Since this period, modular approach has been applied in many industrial sectors, such as automotive, electronics, furniture and others. In this sense, this study examined papers regarding modularity and their applications in the industrial and organizational perspectives, towards a concept better understanding and context where it is applied. A theoretical-conceptual paper was carried out through a hypothetical-deductive method to analyze the publications. Results show similarities and discrepancies among modularity concept variations. In addition, it was perceived that automotive industry has been sorely using modularity in design, production and use. Lastly, benefits, difficulties and recommendations were identified in the modular approach adoption. Thus, it can be concluded that a difficult still remains in defining a unique and broad modularity concept, due to variants according to the modularity approach (design, production, organizational, etc.) utilized. Future studies should search for a better understanding about variations of modularity concept, trying to find what characteristics are predominant throughout all concept variants.

Evaluation of the customer relationship quality and propensity to change mobile telephone operators

The objective of this article is to shed light on the possible relations between previous events and the customer relationship quality and loyalty and a financial result indicator (lifetime revenue) on the predisposition to change mobile telephone operators. The study was carried out with a non-probabilistic quantitative framework and relied on the hypothetical-deductive method. The data were obtained from a survey of 493 mobile phone users and were analyzed through a structural equation and logistic regression. The results partially proved the model proposed, because of the particularities of the groups analyzed. We confirmed (directly and indirectly) the premises of a positive and significant effect between Satisfaction, Trust and Commitment and their antecedents. Satisfaction and Loyalty were distinctive elements among the groups with lower propensity to change operators. These results demonstrate some particularities of this market, where consumers perceive supply as being homogeneous, a fact that stimulates the churn rate in Brazil.

Filosofía de la ciencia y realismo: los límites del método

El objetivo de este artículo es señalar un límite infranqueable del método hipotético-deductivo para la solución del problema del realismo/antirrealismo en la filosofía actual de las ciencias. Para ello, se hace un comentario crítico del status quaestionis al respecto y se comentan las alternativas usualmente manejadas en la historia de la filosofía de la ciencia, sugiriendo una línea de investigación para ser profundizada.

Dynamic geology on the border of two general scientific paradigms

It is shown that dynamic geology as a fundamental synthesizing doctrine about geological processes is passing from a paradigm of linearity, inductivity, empiricism to a paradigm of nonlinearity and a hypothetic-deductive method of cognition. This is accompanied by a radical reorganization of the methodological bases of the doctrine.

Os dois métodos e o núcleo duro da teoria econômica

The two methods and the hard core of economics. While methodological sciences have no object and are supposed to adopt a hypothetical-deductive method, substantive sciences including economics should use an empirical or historicaldeductive method. The great classical economists and Keynes did that and were able to develop open models explaining how equally open economic systems work. Thus, the hard core of relevant economics is formed by the classical microeconomics and the classical theory of capitalist economic growth, and by Keynesian macroeconomics. In contrast, neoclassical economist aiming to build a mathematical science wrongly adopted the hypothetical-deductive method, and came to macroeconomic and growth models that do not have practical use in policymaking. The exception is Marshall’s microeconomics that does not provide a model of real economic systems, but is useful to the analysis of markets.

AMBIGUITY REDUCTION IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

In this paper, we argue that ambiguity is an essential component of "fuzziness" in the Fuzzy Front End of New Product Development (NPD), and that a better understanding of how ambiguity emerges and is reduced, is called for. We explore the process by which ambiguity was reduced in four NPD projects, and propose a model that enhances our understanding of this process. Ambiguity arises as multiple interpretations, and interpretations can be understood as hypotheses, hence these can be tested by using the hypothetical-deductive method (HDM). We present a model showing that ambiguity in NPD projects is efficiently reduced by applying the HDM to test the multiple interpretations that give rise to ambiguity and the assumptions underlying these interpretations. We discuss theoretical implications and the usefulness of the model for practitioners of NPD.

La importancia del uso de ejemplos hipotético-deductivos en la enseñanza de las ciencias

This is a classroom experience based on the hypothetical-deductive method as a tool to the student in order to allow them to use in descriptions of physics phenomenon from his perception. Students must to generate a hypothesis of a situation that is not close to his reality, what we call approach of the problem , which explains through the formulation a series of premises with which conclusions are drawn. From there it is possible to evidence their preconceptions and the knowledge that consolidates in a physics course. In this sense, with the implementation of this method, student manages to generate inferences that are of great importance for his education in physics and sciences, which allows them to have a critical vision and a greater understanding of the phenomena under study.

Forensic Individualisation from Biometric Data

This paper deals with the question of inference of identity of source in forensic science and focuses on the individualisation process of human beings from biometric data. Its goal is to explicitly describe the logical mechanisms that underpin the inference of identity of source in forensic science and to propose a concrete methodology for the forensic individualisation from biometric data. It also analyses the limits of several biometric modalities (fingerprint, face, voice) used for forensic individualisation. Firstly, the concept of identity and its application in forensic science is described. Secondly, the confusion between numerical and qualitative identity is addressed. Thirdly, the hypotheticaldeductive method is described as a logical approach for forensic individualisation and the likelihood ratio approach premised on the Bayes Theorem is proposed as a concrete methodology to infer identity of human beings from biometric data in forensic science. Finally a concrete framework is proposed, which includes hypotheses definition, sources and databases selection, analysis and comparison of biometric data and their interpretation.

Nurses' self-relation--becoming theoretically competent: the SAUC model for confirming nursing.

The purpose of this study was to acquire an understanding of how nurses' self-relation (view of themselves as nurses) was influenced in connection with implementation of a nursing theory, the sympathy-acceptance-understanding-competence model for confirming nursing. This model was developed by Gustafsson and Pörn. Twenty-two nurses' written statements evaluating mentoring during the six-month implementation process in elder care, were analyzed hermeneutically with the hypothetic-deductive method. An action-theoretic and confirmatory approach was used for facilitating theoretically specified hypotheses. The nurses increased their ability to describe nursing theoretically and gained a foundation of common nursing values. The results provided an understanding of how nurses' self-relation was strengthened by becoming theoretically competent.

Clinical reasoning--the diagnostic and therapeutic decision process

The goal of this review is to demonstrate the steps and the main items of the cognitive process used by doctors in clinical reasoning of diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. The clinical problem-solving process makes use of the hypothetic deductive scientific method to solve problems. As soon as the doctor meets his (her) patient, many diagnostic hypotheses emerge in his (her) mind, which are evaluated and refuted or corroborated. The diagnostic decision occurs when a hypothesis reach a certain degree of likelihood. The therapeutic decision is based on the intended objectives and the waited effectiveness among many available alternatives.