Research Intuition and Elements

Lecture Elements

• Research involves intuition, variables, and formal approaches.

1) Intuition in Research

• New research ideas can originate unexpectedly from observations or experiments.
• "Intuition" refers to the sudden stimulation to problem-solving through novel perspectives.
• Intuition often arises as a solution to an intensely interesting problem, similar to a premonition or sixth sense.
• A key characteristic of intuition is the excitement or exhilaration it evokes.

1-1) Favorable Conditions for Intuition

• Define the problems correctly: Clearly defining the problem increases the chances of success through intuition. Explaining the problem to others can help researchers refine their understanding.
• Accumulate all needed facts: Gathering and critically evaluating all relevant information is essential. This often involves conducting a literature review.
• Desire a solution: A strong interest in finding a solution promotes focus and imagination, allowing researchers to persevere through challenges.
• Discuss with others: Collaborating with individuals with differing perspectives helps researchers benefit from diverse viewpoints and combine knowledge for new insights.
• Temporary abandonment of the problem: Stepping away from the problem allows new perspectives to emerge when returning to the task. This concept applies particularly to anomalous data discovered during experiments or observations.

1-2) Barriers to Intuition

• Distractions: Both pleasant and unpleasant distractions hinder the development of insightful solutions. A focused environment is crucial for research.
• Interruptions: Concentration on the problem is essential. Minimizing interruptions in the workplace and lab fosters a more productive research setting.
• Conditioned thinking: Preconceived notions or existing thought patterns can prevent researchers from considering alternative viewpoints.

1-3) Methods to Break Free from Conditioned Thinking

• Take a temporary break: Stepping away from the problem and returning to it allows for a fresh perspective.
• Consult others: Discussing the issue with colleagues or peers allows researchers to benefit from alternative viewpoints.
• Read relevant research articles: Seeking information from diverse sources aids in breaking out of one's existing knowledge base and assumptions.

2) Variables in Research

• Research methods differ based on the involved participants and aims.
• In experimental research, isolating and eliminating factors responsible for an outcome, and testing a single factor of interest defines a variable.
• A variable, in research, is essentially a character, condition or concept that can assume various values, making it measurable.

2-1) Independent and Dependent Variables

• The independent variable is manipulated by the researcher to observe its effect on something else.
• The dependent variable is observed and measured for changes as a result of the independent variable.
• Researchers may use regression and model building to predict less observable factors from easily detectable ones to understand the relationship between variables.
• Variable values can be numerical or textual.

2-2) Extraneous Variables

• Uncontrollable variables impacting study outcomes are extraneous variables.
• Extraneous variables, impacting the results, are difficult to eliminate completely. Researchers, however, limit their influence by using controls in experiments.

2-3) Status and Treatment Variables

• Variables reflecting attributes like gender, age, education, or ethnicity are status (or attribute) variables. These are pre-existing and unchangeable.
• Variables like concrete mix cement content, which are manipulated, changed, or controlled, are treatment variables.

2-4) Qualitative and Quantitative Variables

• Qualitative/categorical variables, like religion or color, are not measurable in numerical form, unlike quantitative variables like weight or height.

2-5) Continuous and Discrete Variables

• Continuous variables can take any value within a range (e.g., plant height).
• Discrete variables only assume specific values (e.g., family size).

2-6) Nominal and Ordinal Variables

• Nominal variables have categories (e.g., educational status).
• Ordinal variables have categories that can be logically ordered (e.g., levels of agreement).

3) Formal Approaches to Research

• Research approaches are categorized according to purpose, data type, and time.

3-1) Basic or Applied Research

• Basic research has no immediate application; it primarily focuses on enlarging knowledge.
• Applied research yields immediate practical benefits.
• Evaluation research systematically collects data for effective decision making.
• Developmental research aims to develop functional products.

3-2) Descriptive or Analytical Research

• Descriptive research aims to document the prevailing condition of a subject, often used when little is known about a phenomenon.
• Analytical research seeks to understand the cause and effect, association, or correlation of phenomena.

3-3) Quantitative or Qualitative Research

• Quantitative research analyzes numerical data to establish relationships between variables.
• Qualitative research explores phenomena and processes through narrative data analysis that's not expressed numerically.

3-4) Experimental or Non-Experimental Research

• Experimental research manipulates an independent variable to observe resulting dependent variables.
• Non-experimental research, where variables are immovable, focuses on describing, comparing, or examining associations between variables.

3-5) Cross-sectional or Longitudinal Research

• Cross-sectional research collects data at a single point in time, measuring variables at a snapshot moment.
• Longitudinal studies collect data over an extended period, tracking changes over time.

3-6) Retrospective or Prospective Research

• Retrospective research collects data from the past to find relationships between existing circumstances and past events.
• Prospective research collects data about current events while monitoring future results.