Research Notes 1

Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of research?

To provide casual observations

To confirm existing knowledge

To gather opinions and personal views

To answer questions and acquire new information (correct)

Which approach does scientific research primarily rely on?

Personal beliefs and biases

Intuition and assumptions

Casual observations and insights

Systematic and objective procedures (correct)

What distinguishes scientific knowledge from casual observation?

Scientific knowledge does not require observation.

Scientific knowledge is based on personal opinion.

Scientific knowledge is derived from objective evidence. (correct)

Scientific knowledge is solely based on intuition.

What does not characterize informal research?

Strict adherence to scientific procedures Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of relying solely on awareness in research?

It can result in information bias. Signup and view all the answers

Empirical knowledge in research is primarily acquired through which method?

Observation and experimentation Signup and view all the answers

How does skepticism relate to casual observations in research?

Casual observations are more vulnerable to skepticism. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a valid hypothesis?

It must be testable for analysis and prediction. Signup and view all the answers

The word 'research' etymologically combines which components?

Re- and search Signup and view all the answers

How does statistical analysis contribute to research conclusions?

It supplies numerical evidence of validity and reliability. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of replicating a study?

To establish reliability of findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of scientific research compared to other types of research?

It follows rigorous procedures for validity. Signup and view all the answers

Which goal of research involves analyzing information to find underlying causes?

Understand/Explain Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when drawing conclusions in research?

Including unrelated factors in the findings Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'predict' goal of research involve?

Stating possible consequences based on current knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for ensuring experimental results are accurate and reliable?

Conducting experiments based on clear, testable hypotheses. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Research

Research stems from the Middle French term ‘recherché,’ meaning ‘the act of searching closely.’
The prefix ‘re-’ signifies ‘again’ and ‘search’ means ‘to look for,’ thus research is the process of seeking information repeatedly.
Its primary objective is to answer questions and acquire new knowledge to solve problems or clarify uncertainties.

Research and Science

Curiosity and doubt drive individuals to seek better understanding of phenomena through various information sources.
Informal research relies on diverse resources without strict procedures.
The scientific approach emphasizes systematic investigation, aiming to describe, explain, and predict events through observations and controlled methods.
Scientific research is grounded in objective evidence, enhancing accuracy, reliability, and validity.

Research Validity

Scientific processes adhere to rigorous protocols, making findings more trustworthy.
Research based solely on casual observation might be met with skepticism despite potentially providing answers.
Embedding science in research amplifies its accuracy and benefits.

Scientific Methods in Research

Empirical Approach: Knowledge is derived from direct observation and experimentation, dismissing personal biases.
Observation: Awareness generates ideas; however, it may lead to information bias without proper measuring instruments.
Question: Effective knowledge arises from answerable inquiries that conform to current scientific procedures.
Hypotheses: Testable educated guesses aim to explain phenomena; they guide experimentation and analysis.
Experiments: Rigorous testing of hypotheses serves to yield accurate results through scientific procedures.
Analyses: Data undergoes statistical scrutiny to substantiate validity, minimizing faulty conclusions.
Conclusion: Must derive solely from data, emphasizing objectivity without adding unrelated information.
Replication: Repeating studies with different participants tests reliability, uncovers new insights, and assesses the generalizability of findings.

Goals of Research

Describe: Involves defining, classifying, and categorizing studied phenomena to provide essential information.
Predict: Entails forecasting potential outcomes of current events based on existing knowledge for careful action planning.
Understand/Explain: Focuses on analyzing information to identify causes behind phenomena, requiring established relationships between events.