Research Cycle: Steps in Research

Study Notes

Research Cycle Steps

Research begins with identifying a problem, driven by an inquisitive mindset.
Success in research relies on asking the right questions and applying critical thinking.
Clearly defined goals are essential for addressing specific problems and maintaining intellectual honesty.

Problem Breakdown

Large problems should be divided into smaller, manageable subproblems to facilitate research.
This breakdown makes it easier to address complex issues systematically.

Hypotheses and Assumptions

A hypothesis is an educated guess that provides a logical basis for investigation.
Assumptions must be scrutinized and scientifically validated—they are statements accepted as true without empirical testing.

Research Planning

A detailed plan should be created to guide the research process, considering existing data and methods for generating new findings.
This includes documenting data use, organization, and analysis strategies.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection can be quantitative, measuring variables with tools like questionnaires, or qualitative, exploring deeper complexities and human behaviors.
Analyzing data involves extracting meaning, which requires drawing conclusions based on hypotheses and logical reasoning.

Interpretation of Data

Interpretations can be subjective and depend on the reasoning applied to the collected data.
Understanding the meaning behind data is crucial for arriving at valid conclusions.

Philosophical Foundations

Effective research is grounded in the belief that phenomena are predictable and lawful, with identifiable cause-and-effect relationships.
Different philosophical orientations include:
- Positivism, which seeks absolute truths primarily in natural sciences.
- Postpositivism, which recognizes the limitations of observational knowledge.

The Role of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is necessary to assess the credibility and worth of information throughout the research process.
Deductive logic derives conclusions from established premises, while inductive reasoning identifies general patterns from specific observations.

Description

This quiz explores the fundamental steps of the research cycle, emphasizing the importance of starting with a problem. Learn how an inquisitive mind drives research by asking critical questions and identifying unresolved situations. Get ready to enhance your understanding of what research is and how to conduct it effectively.