In order to fully appreciate and apply the knowledge that has been acquired through the scientific process, it is imperative to have a basic understanding of scientific research methodology.

Methodology: scientific techniques used to collect and evaluate data.

This is the first in a series of articles that will shed light on scientific research methods.  It is important to understand that all research methods play an important role in leading us to tentative conclusions concerning how things work in the observable universe.  But, it also important to realize different types of research should be interpreted and applied in a different manner.

As an example, the primary goal of correlation research is prediction, while the primary goal of experimental research is explanation/understanding.

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