Introduction to Research Methods

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Questions and Answers

What are the three key ethical principles that should be upheld in human research?

Beneficence, justice, and autonomy.

How can researchers minimize psychological harm to participants in human research?

By obtaining informed consent and protecting participants' anonymity.

Why is intellectual honesty important for researchers?

It promotes reliability and credibility in research findings.

What responsibilities do researchers have when conducting studies involving animals?

To respect and care for animals and collaborate with animal experts. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of ethics committees in research involving human subjects.

They review research proposals to ensure ethical standards are upheld. Signup and view all the answers

How does the authoritarian mode of human inquiry differ from the rationalistic mode?

The authoritarian mode relies on knowledge from qualified sources like elders, while the rationalistic mode emphasizes personal reasoning and logic in acquiring knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of research that ensures findings can be confirmed by others?

Replicability is a key characteristic that allows other researchers to reproduce the study and confirm the findings. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can research sometimes yield more questions than answers?

Research can expose new perspectives and complexities of a problem, leading to the emergence of additional questions. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the primary difference between inductive and deductive reasoning in research.

Inductive reasoning builds general conclusions from specific data, while deductive reasoning starts with a theory and tests it with specific instances. Signup and view all the answers

Why is triangulation important in qualitative research?

Triangulation enhances the reliability of data by using multiple methods or perspectives to study a phenomenon. Signup and view all the answers

What are some key purposes of conducting research?

Research aims to produce knowledge, find answers to questions, and ultimately improve human convenience and progress. Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research typically differ from quantitative research?

Qualitative research focuses on narratives and stories, while quantitative research relies on numerical data to draw conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for research to be empirical?

Empirical research is based on observed and measured phenomena, relying on data obtained through experimentation or observation. Signup and view all the answers

What is triangulation in research and why is it important?

Triangulation in research involves using multiple datasets, methods, theories, or investigators to address a research question, enhancing the validity and credibility of findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is data triangulation and how does it differ from investigator triangulation?

Data triangulation uses data from different times, spaces, and people, while investigator triangulation involves multiple researchers in collecting or analyzing data. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of ethics in research.

Ethics in research governs the standards of conduct for researchers and provides guidelines to protect the dignity and rights of research participants. Signup and view all the answers

List and briefly explain two general ethical principles in research.

Honesty ensures no misrepresentation of data or results, while integrity involves acting sincerely and consistently in fulfilling agreements. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of objectivity in research?

Objectivity in research means avoiding biases in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, which is crucial for credible results. Signup and view all the answers

How does confidentiality play a role in research ethics?

Confidentiality protects personal records, communications, and sensitive information of research participants. Signup and view all the answers

What does theory triangulation involve and why is it used?

Theory triangulation involves using varying theoretical perspectives to analyze a research question, providing a more comprehensive understanding. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of social responsibility in research ethics.

Social responsibility in research ethics involves promoting social good and preventing social harms through responsible research practices. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Research Overview

Research is a systematic method for gathering, interpreting, and analyzing information to address specific problems.
It aims to search for and make sense of existing information, leading to the discovery of relatively "new" insights.

Modes of Human Inquiry

Authoritarian Mode: Knowledge obtained from credible individuals (e.g., elders, leaders).
Mystical Mode: Knowledge acquired from divine sources (e.g., prophets, gods).
Rationalistic Mode: Knowledge gained through reasoning and logical processes.

Importance of Research

Knowledge Production: Leads to discoveries.
Finding Answers: Generates more questions, revealing complexities.
Human Convenience: Innovations improve daily life (e.g., email over snail mail).
Research Precedes Progress: Informs advancements (e.g., stem cell technology).
Make the World Better: Contributes to societal improvements.

Characteristics of Research

Empirical: Based on observation and experience.
Logical: Follows reasoning and structured analysis.
Cyclical: Involves repeated examination and refinement.
Analytical: Breakdown of complex data and ideas.
Critical: Scrutinizes and assesses information thoroughly.
Methodical: Follows systematic procedures.
Replicable: Results can be consistently reproduced.

Inductive and Deductive Research

Inductive: Draws general conclusions from specific data (bottom-up).
Deductive: Involves applying existing theories to form a framework for research (top-down).

Forms of Research

Qualitative: Focus on narratives and stories, prevalent in social sciences; relies on triangulation for data reliability.
Quantitative: Utilizes numerical data, primarily in physical and natural sciences; employs statistical methods to show causal relationships.

Triangulation in Research

Enhances validity by using multiple datasets, methods, theories, or investigators to reduce biases.
Types of Triangulation:
- Data Triangulation: Various data sources across different contexts.
- Investigator Triangulation: Multiple researchers involved in data collection/analysis.
- Theory Triangulation: Incorporation of diverse theoretical perspectives.
- Methodological Triangulation: Employing various methods for the same topic.

The Research Process

Focus on key facts, find relevant information, filter crucial data, finalize findings.

Research Ethics

Ethics concerns the rightness or wrongness of actions, rooted in customs and how research should be conducted.
Research Ethics: Set standards for scientific conduct to protect participants' dignity, rights, and welfare.
Principles include:
- Honesty: Accuracy in data and results.
- Integrity: Consistency and fulfillment of commitments.
- Objectivity: Avoiding bias in all research phases.
- Carefulness: Critical examination and careful record-keeping.
- Respect for Intellectual Property: Acknowledgment of sources and proper use of information.

Ethical Principles in Research

Emphasizes truthfulness, courtesy, and respect for human rights.
Ensures participant welfare through informed consent and confidentiality.
Addresses potential harms: psychological, physical, legal, social, and economic.

Characteristics of a Researcher

Possesses intellectual curiosity, prudence, and honesty.

General Rules of Research

Adheres to a structured approach and creates original content.
Enforces ethical treatment of respondents and maintains credibility.

Ethics in Human Research

Mandates ethics committee reviews to uphold participant protection.
Core ethical principles involve beneficence, justice, and autonomy.

Minimizing Harm in Human Research

Acquire informed consent, protect anonymity, avoid deception, and provide withdrawal rights.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of research, including various modes of human inquiry and the characteristics that define systematic investigation. Understanding how research contributes to knowledge production and societal advancements is key to grasping the importance of this discipline.