Research Fundamentals: Knowledge and Questions

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which method of acquiring knowledge relies on formulating general conclusions from specific observations, potentially leading to the development of new theories?

  • Authoritative Expertise
  • Inductive Reasoning (correct)
  • Deductive Reasoning
  • Experiential Learning

In the context of research, what role does an 'existing theory' primarily serve when identifying a researchable problem?

  • Serving as a foundation to substantiate, advance, or modify the theory (correct)
  • Providing statistical data for comparative analysis
  • Presenting a fully validated solution, ready for application
  • Offering a framework to critique established methodologies

How does the 'scientific approach' differ from simple inductive reasoning in the context of research methodologies?

  • It begins with specific observations and culminates in a general theory.
  • It relies solely on empirical observation without theoretical grounding.
  • It integrates both inductive and deductive reasoning, incorporating hypothesis testing. (correct)
  • It is purely deductive, applying established theories to specific cases.

When formulating a research question, what is the significance of ensuring it is 'complex enough'?

<p>To permit a comprehensive exploration and in-depth analysis suitable for a thesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following considerations is most critical when assessing the 'feasibility' of a research question?

<p>The availability of funding and resources within the given timeframe. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of basing a research topic on 'professional experience'?

<p>It leverages firsthand insights into workplace challenges and questions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for researchers to 'avoid vague, intangible, or debatable topics' when developing a research topic?

<p>To facilitate objective data collection and analysis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of identifying researchable problems, what does 'societal trends' refer to?

<p>Current events and developments that offer research opportunities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'public research' in identifying a researchable problem?

<p>To introduce professional journals available to the public that provide an overview of the important studies that are being conducted in a topic area of interest. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of 'deductive reasoning'?

<p>Arriving at specific conclusions by applying general principles. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor most significantly determines whether a research question is 'researchable using primary and/or secondary sources'?

<p>The accessibility and relevance of existing data and literature. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When initiating a research project, why is it crucial to ascertain that you 'have the necessary funds or resources to collect data over a period of time'?

<p>To prevent premature termination of the study due to logistical constraints. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the MOST critical consideration when evaluating potential research topics?

<p>The availability of resources needed to conduct the analysis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research, what does the term 'authority' primarily refer to as a source of knowledge?

<p>Seeking expertise from individuals with relevant experience. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the relationship between a research question and the focus of a research paper?

<p>A research question precisely defines what the research aims to answer, giving the paper clear direction. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When developing a research topic, why should researchers 'choose a topic that is not yet overly written on by other researchers in a field'?

<p>To contribute novel insights and advance the field of study. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do 'professional trends' serve as a source of researchable problems?

<p>They offer insights into emerging research topics through publications and newsletters. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of 'developing a preliminary research question for a topic collaboratively in groups'?

<p>To ensure the research question is relevant, clear, and feasible through diverse perspectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between 'real life' and the 'scholarly arena' as sources for research problems?

<p>'Real life' is a source of experience and world problems, while the 'scholarly arena' focuses on gaps in knowledge. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When initiating a research project, what preliminary action is most crucial for guaranteeing the project's success?

<p>Verifying the accessibility of pertinent online and library resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Experience

Knowledge gained directly through active involvement or observation.

Authority

Acquiring knowledge from trusted figures recognized for their expertise.

Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning from general principles to specific instances using logical rules.

Inductive Reasoning

Forming general conclusions based on specific observations & gathered facts.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Scientific Approach

Combines inductive and deductive reasoning using hypotheses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Professional Experience

Arise from daily work challenges faced by professionals.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Professional Trends

Emerges from publications & newsletters within the field.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Public Research

Involves using journals available that provide an overview of studies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Societal Trends

Based on current events/observations offering research opportunities.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Existing Theory

Aims to validate, advance or modify existing constructs.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Research Question

An issue to address in research (difficulty, contradiction, knowledge gap).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Real Life Sources

Experiences and World problems

Signup and view all the flashcards

Scholarly Arena Sources

Gaps in knowledge

Signup and view all the flashcards

Strong Research Question

Focused, researchable, feasible, specific, complex, relevant.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Lesson 2 introduces the fundamental concepts of knowledge sources, researchable problems, and research questions.
  • Students will explore knowledge acquisition, research topic origins, and strong research question characteristics.
  • The lesson provides practical guidelines for selecting a research topic and developing research questions.

Objectives

  • List and describe ways people acquire knowledge.
  • Identify sources of research topics or problems.
  • Explain the significance of research questions in guiding a study.
  • Develop a preliminary research question collaboratively, ensuring relevance, clarity, and feasibility.

Sources of Knowledge:

  • Experience offers the most direct answers through personal encounters.
  • Authority involves seeking knowledge from experienced individuals or experts.
  • Deductive Reasoning, introduced by Aristotle, uses general statements to reach specific conclusions based on logic.
  • Inductive Reasoning involves establishing general conclusions from specific observations.
  • Scientific Approach (inductive-deductive method) uses hypotheses, differing from inductive reasoning.

Five Basic Sources of Researchable Problems:

  • According to De Poy and Gitlin (1994), professionals use these when picking a topic for research.
  • Professional Experience: Daily ideas and confusions from professional challenges provide inquiry areas.
  • Professional Trends: Research topics can emerge from publications and newsletters.
  • Public Research: Professional journals for the public offer an overview of studies in a topic of interest.
  • Societal Trends: Current societal happenings present research opportunities.
  • Existing Theory: Inquiry related to theory development aims to substantiate, advance, or modify theory.

Research Question

  • A research question is an issue, difficulty, contradiction, or knowledge gap.
  • According to Kebritchi (2017), a research problem can be found in Real Life or the Scholarly Arena.

Guidelines for Developing a Good Research Topic

  • Check resources related to the topic in libraries or credible online sites.
  • Avoid topics that are too specific or topics that are already well-researched.
  • Avoid topics lacking personal knowledge.
  • Consider the availability of resources and budget.
  • Avoid vague, intangible, debatable, or topics not easily answerable.
  • Ensure necessary funds or resources are available for data collection.
  • A research question indicates what needs answering, giving research a clear focus (McCombes, 2019).

Characteristics of a Strong Research Question (McCombes, 2019)

  • Focused on a single problem or issue.
  • Researchable using primary or secondary sources.
  • Feasible within timeframe and practical constraints.
  • Specific enough for thorough answering.
  • Complex enough for development over a paper or thesis
  • Relevant to a field of study and/or broader society.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Research Questions and Methodology Overview
16 questions
Identifying Research Questions
18 questions
Crafting SMARTER Research Questions
40 questions
Research Methods 05 MCQs
13 questions

Research Methods 05 MCQs

WorkableCliff4965 avatar
WorkableCliff4965
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser