Introduction to Research Methods

Research is a systematic investigation that seeks to explain, describe, predict, or question phenomena.

Research is aimed at solving problems and expanding knowledge.

Inductive research starts with observation of a phenomenon and moves towards identifying underlying principles.

Deductive research begins with a hypothesis and tests it through evidence or data.

Research requires a systematic and cyclical approach, where steps can be repeated or adjusted based on findings.

Research relies on verifiable evidence, observations, and experiences.

Research employs logical principles and follows a systematic procedure.

Research demands higher-order thinking skills, such as interpreting data and drawing conclusions.

Research that can be repeated by other researchers using the same methodology, ensuring consistent and reliable results.

Research focuses on finding solutions to specific problems or challenges.

Research relies on objective methods like observation, interviews, and experiments to gather accurate data, minimizing bias.

Using sufficient data sources is crucial for a valid and conclusive study, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable research outcome.

Research contributes to economic growth by developing human capital, new products, technologies, and services.

Research provides valuable information for policy-making and governance, shaping informed decisions and societal advancements.

Environmental research helps us understand how to achieve sustainable development without depleting natural resources for future generations.

Medical research drives advancements in public health and medical practices, leading to better treatments and improved well-being.

Involves taking your research findings and sharing them with a wider audience, often through papers, presentations, or publications.

The stage where your research questions are addressed, and your data analysis is interpreted to provide insights.

The concluding section of a research paper that provides a succinct overview of your findings, highlights key takeaways, and proposes future research directions.

The process of critically reviewing and improving your research paper to ensure clarity, logical flow, and accuracy.

The initial part of a research paper that provides background information, introduces the research problem, and outlines your research objectives.

A comprehensive list of all the sources cited in your research paper.

The practice of carefully checking your paper for any errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting.

The process of bringing together all the sections of a research paper in a logical order, incorporating feedback, and ensuring consistency.

Moral principles and standards that guide researchers in conducting ethical and acceptable research practices.

Ensuring your research provides benefits to its intended audience without causing harm to participants or the public.

Researchers adhere to professional and research ethics codes.

Honesty, accuracy, and truthfulness in all aspects of research, including data collection and reporting.

Fair treatment of all participants, avoiding discrimination based on irrelevant factors like gender, ethnicity, or background.

Respecting individuals' rights and dignity, ensuring confidentiality, anonymity, and freedom to participate or withdraw from research.

Intentional and negligent deviation from acceptable research practices.

Claiming responsibility and intellectual contribution for a research work.

Including someone as an author who did not contribute significantly to the research, often for personal gain or to enhance prestige.

Using an unnamed person to write a research paper for you, often in exchange for payment or personal benefit.

A statement or document that informs participants of the nature and risks of a research study, and ensures informed consent, confidentiality, and data protection.

The practice of recording, managing, and storing research data accurately and securely, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.

Using living animals in research only when the potential benefits are considered to outweigh any potential harm to the animals.

Acknowledging and citing sources properly. Respecting the intellectual property of others by giving credit where it's due and securing permission for any borrowed material.

Using human participants in research ethically, ensuring their safety, well-being, and privacy. This often involves obtaining informed consent and protecting sensitive information.

A type of research that focuses on expanding knowledge and understanding a phenomenon. It's like exploring a new continent looking for new discoveries and theories.

It involves testing theories in real-world situations to find practical solutions to problems. This research aims to make a difference in the real world by applying knowledge.

This type of research focuses on solving problems within a specific organization or community. It's like addressing a particular issue in your neighborhood, with the solutions geared towards that local context.

This research approach uses words, images, and artifacts as data to understand and describe social phenomena. It's like understanding a story by analyzing the dialogues and actions of the characters.

This research approach uses numbers, statistical data, and precise measurements to test hypotheses and determine relationships. It's like conducting an experiment to see how different fertilizers affect plant growth.

This type of research uses a smaller group of participants to gather detailed information and explore a specific topic in depth. It's like interviewing a few individuals to hear their perspectives on a complex social issue.

This sampling method involves choosing participants based on specific characteristics to focus on a particular group. It's like interviewing only people who have experienced a natural disaster to understand their stories.

This sampling method aims to ensure that every member of a population has an equal chance of being selected. It's like drawing names from a hat to ensure everyone gets a fair chance.

In Qualitative Research, the researcher is more involved with the participants, creating a less formal environment. It's like a friendly conversation with your friend, exploring their opinions and thoughts.

In Quantitative Research, the researcher maintains a professional distance and follows a strict protocol. It's like a scientist conducting an experiment, adhering to specific steps and procedures.

Qualitative research relies on data that can be analyzed through interpretation and analysis of text, images, and artifacts. It's like reading a book and understanding the characters and their motivations through their dialogues and actions.

Quantitative Research relies on data that can be measured and analyzed statistically. It's like using charts, graphs, and numbers to understand the trends in a data set.

Qualitative Research uses methods like interviews, observations, and document analysis to gather data. It's like interviewing a witness to understand their perspective on an event.

Quantitative Research uses methods like tests, experiments, and surveys to gather data. It's like conducting a scientific experiment to test a hypothesis.

Qualitative Research analyzes data through content analysis and coding, identifying themes and patterns in the text, images, and artifacts. It's like analyzing a novel to identify the main themes, character development, and the author's message.

Quantitative Research analyzes data statistically, using various statistical techniques to identify relationships and trends in the data. It's like using a calculator to analyze the results of a math test.

Due to the focus on in-depth understanding, findings from Qualitative Research may have limited generalizability to a broader population. It's like understanding the experiences of a small group of friends, but not necessarily representing the whole community.

Quantitative research often uses large samples and aims to draw conclusions that can be generalized to a wider population. It's like conducting a survey of a large number of people to understand the preferences of the whole population.

Qualitative Research is an exploratory approach, seeking to understand the 'why' through careful observation and exploration of data. It's like a detective investigating a crime scene, analyzing evidence to piece together what happened.

Quantitative Research is a confirmatory approach, testing hypotheses with data analysis. It's like a scientist conducting an experiment to confirm or refute a theoretical prediction.

Qualitative Research often takes place in natural settings to understand the phenomenon in its context. It's like observing people in their natural environment, like a park, cafe, or workplace.

Quantitative Research often uses controlled settings to isolate specific variables and minimize bias. It's like conducting a laboratory experiment to control environmental factors and ensure accurate measurements.

Qualitative research often presents findings narratively, providing rich descriptions and insights. Think of reading a novel, where the author uses descriptive language to engage the reader and bring the characters and their stories to life.

Quantitative Research presents findings in a statistical format, using charts and tables to display the results of the analysis. Imagine reading a scientific journal where data is presented in tables, charts, and graphs to show the results of an experiment.