Fundamentals of Research Chapter 1

Study Notes

Defined as a systematic approach to finding answers and understanding the world.
C.S. Peirce recognized it as one of the methods of knowing.
Wimmer & Dominick describe scientific research as organized, objective, and controlled empirical analysis of variables.

Public: Promotes transparency through open access to information; aligns with the open science movement.
Objective: Minimizes researcher errors by relying on facts and rules; errors are considered noise.
Empirical: Engages with measurable phenomena, transitioning from abstract concepts to observable data; operational definitions provide clarity.
Systematic and Cumulative: Builds upon previous research; theories drive inquiry through theorizing, hypothesis formulation, testing, analysis, and reporting; replication is essential for cumulative knowledge.
Predictive: Establishes relationships between present data and future predictions, with data supporting the extension of theories.
Self-correcting: Theories are subject to amendments based on new findings; evolution occurs with changing situations and methodologies.

Applied vs. Basic Research: Applied research focuses on specific tasks to address practical problems (often commercial), while basic research seeks to advance theoretical understanding (academic).
Public vs. Proprietary Data: Commercial research often keeps data proprietary to maintain competitive advantage.
Time and Financial Pressures: Commercial research typically operates under tighter deadlines and profitability requirements; academic research prioritizes data quality and integrity.
Rigor: Academic research emphasizes thoroughness, while commercial research may cut corners for quicker results.

Identifies and solves relevant problems.
Addresses gaps in understanding, typical of basic research; referred to as lacunae.
Evaluated through eight essential questions regarding breadth, feasibility, significance, generalizability, cost, time, methodological appropriateness, and participant safety.

Validity is crucial for meaningful research outcomes.
Internal Validity: Pertains to the study's design and conduct, ensuring that plausible incorrect explanations for results are ruled out.
Extraneous Variables: Variables that might influence the study’s results without being the primary focus.
Confounding Variables: Specifically impact the relationship under investigation, often emerging from extraneous variables; referred to as artifacts by Wimmer & Dominick.
Threats to internal validity include historical context, maturation of subjects, testing effects, and instrumentation degradation.