Introduction to Research Methods

Study Notes

Definition Of Research

Research is a systematic, objective, and comprehensive investigation of a certain phenomenon.
It involves accurate gathering, recording, critical analysis, and interpretation of all facts about the phenomenon.
The purpose of research is for either theoretical or practical ends.

Importance Of Research

Research plays a crucial role in development interventions by forming the basis for conceptualizing, planning, and implementing projects or programs.
Research is used to monitor program implementation, ensuring it works as planned and achieves its goals.
Evaluations are conducted to determine a program's effectiveness and potential negative outcomes.
Evaluation results are used to re-conceive and plan for more efficient and successful programs.
Ultimately, research serves as a tool for expanding knowledge and improving individual and group life quality.

Types Of Educational Research

Basic and Applied Research

Basic research: is conducted for the sake of acquiring knowledge.
Basic research is also known as theoretical or fundamental research.
Applied research: focuses on using knowledge to solve a problem.
Applied research is also known as practical research.

Other Types Of Research

Qualitative research: is used to understand underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
Qualitative research provides insights into a problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for quantitative research.
Qualitative data collection methods are unstructured or semi-structured and include:
- Focus groups (group discussions)
- Individual interviews
- Participatory or observational research
Types of Qualitative Research
- Ethnographic research: is a qualitative research method involving the systematic study of people in their natural environment.
  - Ethnographic research requires researchers to immerse themselves in the environment of their respondents to understand their lifestyle.
- Historical research: investigates and studies past events, people, and societies using various sources and methods.
  - Historical research relies on reliable, first-hand sources for information about past events.
Quantitative research: is a method of collecting and analyzing numerical data to understand patterns, relationships, or trends.
Quantitative research uses surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis to quantify behaviors, opinions, or phenomena and draw conclusions based on the collected data.
Types of Quantitative Research: - Experimental research: is a scientific approach using two sets of variables. The first set acts as a constant, which you use to measure the difference of the second set. - Correlational research: investigates relationships between variables without the researcher controlling or manipulating them. - Causal comparative research: identifies cause-and-effect relationships by comparing pre-existing groups. - Survey research: determines the characteristics of a group by providing a questionnaire or interview, allowing for gathering information from a large sample.

General Type Of Research

Descriptive research: involves observing and detailing characteristics or behaviors of a phenomenon as it naturally occurs.
Descriptive research focuses on providing an accurate picture of the subject being studied.
Associative research: explores relationships between different concepts, ideas, or phenomena.
Interventional research: is a scientific approach that aims to understand the effectiveness of interventions designed to solve a problem.