Key Research Concepts

Key Research Concepts

• Validity indicates the accuracy in measuring what a study intends to measure
• Reliability indicates consistency of study results across repeated trials
• Ethical practices protects participants' rights, ensures fairness, and secures data confidentiality
• Literature review is crucial for identifying gaps and framing the study
• Research design includes methods, timeline, and goals for conducting a study
• Qualitative research describes phenomena using interviews and observations instead of numerical data
• Quantitative research uses numeric data and statistics to explain and predict phenomena
• Population refers to the entire relevant group for the research question
• Hypothesis provides a testable statement about the relationship between variables
• Random sampling gives each individual an equal selection chance and often used in quantitative research
• Data collection methods use surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments
• Literature review contextualizes the research problem with existing studies, theories, and findings

Variables

• Independent variables are manipulated or controlled in an experiment
• Dependent variables measure outcomes in response to independent variables
• Ethical considerations protect participants’ rights, confidentiality, and research integrity
• Data analysis interprets collected data using statistical or thematic coding
• Conclusion summarizes key findings and answers the research question without new information
• Recommendations suggest actions based on findings
• Bibliography offers a list of cited sources in a research paper
• Research design outlines data collection, analysis, and interpretation methods in the methodology

Key Research Terms

• Bibliography has a list of sources (books, articles, websites) used in study
• Data collection is gathering information through surveys or interviews
• Data analysis examines and interprets gathered data to see trends
• Population refers to the entire group from which sample is drawn
• Sampling method is used to select data points like random or stratified sampling
• Qualitative research focuses on understanding meanings and experiences
• Quantitative research focuses on numerical and statistical data to find patterns
• Dependent variable measures the outcome affected by the independent variable
• Independent variable is used to see its effect on the dependent variable
• Ethical considerations ensure fair, safe treatment and data protection
• Conclusion summarizes key findings, answering the research question without new information
• Recommendations suggest future actions based on research findings
• Literature review provides context and justification

Research Types

• Inquiry involves asking seek and search answers to explore a topic
• Investigation uses a systematic approach to discover facts, gather data, and test hypotheses
• Immersion enables deep researcher engagement for insights
• Action research uses researcher work with people to solve and improve practices
• Case study is an in-depth single instance examination for deeper phenomenon understanding

Types of Research

• Qualitative research explores phenomena with non-numerical data through interviews and focus groups
• Quantitative research quantifies problems and finds patterns using numerical data and statistics

Sampling Techniques

• Random sampling gives each individual an equal chance of selection for more generalizable findings
• Stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups and samples from each
• Convenience sampling uses accessible participants, which may introduce bias
• Systematic sampling selects every nth individual from list
• Purposive sampling utilizes specific characteristics relevant to the study via non-random sampling

Conducting Quantitative Research

• Identify the research problem as the first step and to guide the study
• Review existing literature to identify gaps for further research
• Formulate testable hypothesis based on research problem
• Select a design based on hypothesis and goals
• Define variables and measurements using reliable, valid tools
• Select representation sample using techniques like random or stratified sampling
• Collect numeric data using methods such as surveys or experiments
• Analyze collected data using methods to test hypothesis
• Interpret findings based on the analysis of the data
• Draw conclusions, summarize findings, and offer advice
• Report findings in a paper to include methodology, results, and conclusion

Conducting Qualitative Research

• Develop open-ended questions to encourage in-depth responses
• Obtain informed consent, explaining participant rights
• Ensure comfortable environment for participants
• Transcribe, analyze data for themes

Research Study Structure

• Structuring a study involves a title, introduction, summary of existing research, methodology, data collection, data analysis, results, discussion, conclusion, suggestions and references

Research Analysis and Justification

• Analysis breaks down a statement to understand implications and consequences
• Justification provides valid reasons to support an action or decision

Identifying a Problem

• A researcher can't use any data if it supports their point
• Selective data use reflects problematic science as researchers can select data
• Bias undermines integrity

Identifying Strengths

• Consideration ensures participant protection, which helps to ensure findings are reliable
• Adhering to standards builds credit in research community