Research Methodology Overview

Research Overview

• Research systematically collects, analyzes, and interprets information to enhance understanding of phenomena.
• It is an objective process aimed at creating knowledge through inquiry and evidence-based practices.
• Research contributes to existing knowledge, improves practices, informs policies, and seeks to solve problems.

Types of Research

• Quantitative research deals with single realities and aims to generalize findings about populations.
• Qualitative research emphasizes multiple realities and seeks to understand participant perspectives.
• Quantitative approaches often involve pre-established designs, while qualitative designs may emerge based on subjective experiences.

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

• Involves measuring relationships and explaining correlations among variables.
• Data collection is often detached, using statistical methods and tools for analysis.
• Generally aims to generalize findings across larger populations.

Strengths of Quantitative Research

• Allows for generalization of results from a sample to a larger population.
• Employs statistical methods for accuracy and reliability in findings.
• Provides objective measurements that can identify relationships and causations.

Weaknesses of Quantitative Research

• May lack depth in understanding participant experiences due to a detached research approach.
• Risk of bias in sample selection and data interpretation.
• Results may not always capture the complexity of real-world phenomena.

Quantitative Research Design

• Descriptive design focuses on “what” is happening in a population or phenomenon.
• Non-experimental designs gather insights without manipulating variables, primarily using questionnaires.

Types of Non-Experimental Designs

• Descriptive: Aims to describe characteristics and conditions.
• Correlational: Measures the degree of association between multiple variables.
• Comparative: Compares groups to discover differences or impacts from various conditions.
• Evaluative: Assesses products or concepts to collect data for improvements.

Experimental Research Types

• Pre-Experiments: Simple observational studies often lacking control groups.
• True Experiments: Utilize random assignment to establish cause-and-effect relationships through control and experimental groups.
• Quasi-Experiments: Similar to true experiments but do not randomly assign groups.

True Experimental Design Features

• Implement control and experimental groups for comparative analysis of outcomes.
• Requires random assignment of participants to ensure unbiased results.

Specific True Experimental Designs

• Post-test-only: Compares outcomes after intervention without pre-testing.
• Pre-test post-test: Involves measuring variables before and after intervention to observe changes.
• Solomon Four Group Design: Assesses treatment efficacy through four groups, some receiving pre-tests and others not.

Quasi-Experimental Design

• Manipulates independent variables without random assignment, suitable for ethical or practical constraints in real-world scenarios.
• Useful where true experimental designs are impractical, such as in field studies.