Scientific method is the pursuit of truth as determined by logical considerations. The ideal of science is to achieve a systematic interrelation of facts. Scientific method attempts to achieve- the ideal by experimentation, observation, logical arguments from accepted postulates and a combination of these three in varying proportions. In scientific method, logic aids in formulating propositions explicitly and accurately so that their possible alternatives become clear. Further, logic develops the consequences of such alternatives, and when these are compared with observable phenomena, it becomes possible for the researcher or the scientist to state which alternative is most in harmony with the observed facts. All this is done through experimentation and survey investigations which constitute the integral parts of scientific method.

Experimentation is done to test hypotheses and to discover new relationships, if any, among variables. But the conclusions drawn on the basis of experimental data are generally criticized for faulty assumptions, poorly designed experiments, badly executed experiments or faulty interpretations. As such the researcher must pay all possible attention while developing the experimental design and must state only probable inferences.

The scientific method is, thus, based on certain basic postulates which can be stated as under:

1. It relies on empirical evidence;
2. It utilizes relevant concepts;
3. It is committed to only objective considerations;
4. It presupposes ethical neutrality, i.e., it aims at nothing but making only adequate and correct statements about population objects;
5. It results into probabilistic predictions;
6. Its methodology is made known to all concerned for critical scrutiny is for use in testing the conclusions through replication;
7. It aims at formulating most general axioms or what can be termed as scientific theories.

Thus, “the scientific method encourages a rigorous, impersonal mode of procedure dictated by the demands of logic and objective procedure.” Accordingly, scientific method implies an objective, logical and systematic method, i.e., a method free from personal bias or prejudice, a method to ascertain demonstrable qualities of a phenomenon capable of being verified, a method wherein the researcher is guided by the rules of logical reasoning, a method wherein the investigation proceeds in an orderly manner and a method that implies internal consistency.

CuDOS refers to a specific research approach, summarized in a number of guiding principles for solid scientific research expressed by the sociologist R.K. Merton: Communalism, Universalism, Disinterestedness, Originality and Scepticism.

• Communalism entails that scientific results are the common property of the entire scientific community.
• Universalism means that all scientists can contribute to science regardless of race, nationality, culture, or gender.
• Disinterestedness according to which scientists should not present their results entangled with their personal beliefs or activism for a cause. Scientists should have an arms length attitude towards their findings.
• Originality The claims by researchers must be novel and add something to our knowledge and understanding.
• Scepticism means that scientific claims must be exposed to critical scrutiny before being accepted.

In line with these principles we aim to disseminate and discuss our research findings with different audiences and promote multi-disciplinary research that is both innovative and rigorous. Finally, while our research is often highly relevant to policy makers and practitioners, we endorse a view of social science research that is not influenced by personal beliefs or activism for a cause.