Research Fundamentals Quiz

Research Fundamentals

• Research Definition: Scientific investigation of phenomena, encompassing data collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation, linking individual speculation with reality. Solutions should be based on knowledge, not mere belief or guesswork.
• Research Methodology: Requires a systematic, well-planned procedure to acquire and evaluate information accurately and effectively. Research is a process of inquiry.
• Inquiry vs. Research: Inquiry (investigation) asks questions to probe and examine something, seeking truth, information, or knowledge. Research is a systematic, objective process of creating knowledge using the scientific method to eliminate bias.

Nature of Inquiry

• Inquiry is synonymous with investigation.
• Inquiry involves questioning to understand something.

Purpose of Research

• Research seeks to discover truth, gain information, and create knowledge.

Importance of Research in Daily Life

• Ethics in Research: Ethical guidelines for research are crucial. Key ethical considerations include: informed consent to protect participant rights; honesty in reporting data, methods, and results; objectivity to avoid bias; integrity in keeping promises and acting with sincerity; carefulness in avoiding errors and keeping records; openness in sharing data and ideas; respect for intellectual property; confidentiality of participant information; responsible mentoring of others; responsible publication to advance scholarship; respect for colleagues; social responsibility to promote social good; non-discrimination; competence in the field; legality to adhere to laws and policies; animal care; and human subject protection to minimize harm and maximize benefits.

Rights of Research Participants

• Human Rights: Moral principles essential for protecting human dignity, including rights and duties.
• Intellectual Property: Protects creations of the mind with moral and commercial value.
• Copyright Infringement: Unauthorized use of copyright-protected material without permission.
• Voluntary Participation: Participants must consent freely to research participation.

Ethical Standards in Research Writing

• Research Misconduct: Fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism are considered misconduct, unlike honest errors or differing opinions.
• Plagiarism: Using others' ideas, works, processes, or results without proper attribution. Three forms include failing to cite sources, failing to enclose copied language in quotes, and failing to paraphrase borrowed material.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research

• Qualitative Research: Aims to create new theory from data, understanding individual differences, feelings, and experiences, typically using unstructured or semi-structured methods like interviews, observations, and focus groups. (e.g., Case Study, Ethnography, Phenomenology, Content/Discourse Analysis, Historical Analysis).
• Quantitative Research: Aims to test hypotheses or theories, measure similarities among groups using metrics like rating scales, and structured methods like surveys, questionnaires, experiments, and checklists.

Qualitative Research: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Provides insights into the complexity of phenomena, specific concrete details, and local meanings. It also facilitates comparative understanding across multiple participants and settings.
• Weaknesses: Qualitative research's interpretations can be subjective to the researcher's preconceived notions.

Kinds of Qualitative Research

• Many different types of qualitative research exist, including case studies, ethnography, phenomenology, and content analysis.

Designing a Research Project

• Research Title: Defines the research problem, usually read first, and is concisely informative, revised as needed throughout the stages of research until final presentation.
• Elements of a Research Title: Includes subject matter, location, respondents, and time frame of study.
• Research Justification: A clear articulation of the reasoning for the research topic should be provided.

Practical Research (True/False Questions)

• Research should not solely rely on opinions. Research requires literature review. The researcher should not be the sole judge of the study. Objectivity requires listening to other researchers. Adequate data is needed prior to research.

Practical Research (Enumeration)

• Three purposes of research: Explore a topic, explain a topic, and/or predict or control a topic, gain knowledge, and improve the human condition
• "A seeking for truth, information, or knowledge": Inquiry
• A process of inquiring: Research

Practical Research (Question and Answer)

• Experience researcher imparts knowledge to students - Responsible publication, non-discrimination, respect for colleagues, or social responsibility.
• Ensuring participant well-being - Care, human subjects protection, respect for colleagues, social responsibilities.
• Voluntary participation - Voluntary participation.
• Paper submission to only one publication - Responsible Publication
• Researcher's skill level - Competence.
• Accurate data reporting - Honesty.
• Fulfillment of participant agreements - Integrity.
• Researcher accepting feedback - Openness.
• Informed Consent - Talking to the participant privately, writing a letter to them, or providing information about the study.
• Confidentiality - Not mentioning the participant's name, keeping participant details private.

Practical Research (Topic Selection and Narrowing)

• Research Topics: Selecting a research topic that connects to personal interests, and narrowing it to a specific, manageable scope. Specific research topics should consider the subject matter, population/respondents, place, and time period.