Research Methodology Quiz

What is and isn't research?

• Research is a systematic and methodical process of gathering information, analyzing it, and drawing conclusions to create or validate knowledge.
• Research aims to answer specific questions, address issues, or solve problems, deepening understanding of a subject.
• Simple data collection without a plan or analysis is not research.
• Anecdotal observations or routine problem-solving without systematic study are not research.
• Compiling facts without analysis is not research.
• Biased or unsystematic approaches are not research.

What is Research?

• Research involves structured inquiry with defined steps, methods, and objectives.
• It focuses on specific questions or hypotheses, exploring areas of uncertainty or new knowledge.
• It relies on empirical evidence (observable and measurable data).
• Research results are reproducible by others.
• Research contributes new knowledge or improves existing understanding.

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

• EBP is a decision-making approach that combines best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to achieve effective outcomes.
• EBP is commonly used in healthcare, education, and other fields.
• Key components of EBP include the best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values.

Steps in Evidence-Based Practice

• Ask a clear, answerable question.
• Collect best available evidence.
• Critically appraise the quality of evidence.
• Integrate evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
• Assess the outcomes of the decision and make adjustments as required.

The Research Process

• The research process is cyclical, with new questions often arising from completed studies.
• It refines methods, improves knowledge, and fosters continuous learning.

Different Kinds of Decision-Making

• Strategic decisions guide the overall direction of organizations.
• Tactical decisions implement strategic plans.
• Operational decisions ensure daily function.
• Programmed decisions follow established guidelines.
• Non-programmed decisions require custom solutions.

Different Forms of Scholarly Work

• Original research articles report new findings from empirical studies.
• Review articles summarize and synthesize existing research.
• Case studies provide in-depth analysis of specific cases.
• Theses and dissertations are original research projects submitted for academic degrees.
• Conference papers and proceedings share research findings at conferences.
• Book chapters or books provide comprehensive coverage of topics.
• Technical reports document research results.
• White papers inform policy or industry.
• Editorials and commentaries provide expert opinions.
• Patents protect new inventions.
• Datasets and databases are sources of raw data for secondary analysis.

Qualitative Research Paradigms

• Constructivism: Knowledge is co-created with participants.
• Interpretivism: Understanding human behavior from individuals' perspectives.
• Phenomenology: Understanding lived experiences.
• Critical theory: Examining social inequalities and power dynamics.
• Feminist theory: Addressing gender inequality.
• Postmodernism / Poststructuralism: Deconstructing existing beliefs.
• Pragmatism: Focusing on practical solutions and applicability.

Bias in Research

• Quantitative research bias: Sampling bias, selection bias, measurement bias, confirming bias, attrition bias, overfitting.
• Qualitative research bias: Researcher bias, selection bias, social desirability bias, interviewer bias, respondent bias, cultural bias, theoretical bias, Hawthorne effect (Observation bias).

Validity and Reliability in Research

• Validity refers to the accuracy and truthfulness of a measurement or study.
• Reliability refers to the consistency and stability of a measure or study.
• Types of Validity include: Internal Validity, External Validity, Construct Validity, and Content Validity.
• Types of reliability include: Test-retest reliability, inter-rater reliability and internal consistency.

Hypothesis Testing

• Null Hypothesis (Ho): There is no effect or relationship.
• Alternative Hypothesis (H1 or Ha): There is an effect or relationship.
• Test Statistic: A calculated value used to determine whether to reject the null hypothesis.
• Significance Level (α): The probability of rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true.
• P-value: The probability of obtaining results as extreme as the observed results assuming the null hypothesis is true.
• Critical Value: A threshold used to determine whether a test statistic is significant enough to reject the null hypothesis.

Types of Errors in Research

• Type I Error (False Positive): Rejecting a true null hypothesis.
• Type II Error (False Negative): Failing to reject a false null hypothesis.

Experimental vs. Non-Experimental Research

• Experimental research: Manipulates an independent variable to observe effects on a dependent variable, high control over variables, ideal for cause-and-effect.
• Non-experimental research: Observes or measures variables without manipulating them, often used for associations or correlations, typically more naturalistic.

Cross-Sectional vs. Longitudinal Research

• Cross-sectional: Collects data from a population at a single point in time.
• Longitudinal: Collects data from the same individuals over an extended period.

The GRADE Framework

• Grades quality of evidence into categories (High, Moderate, Low, Very Low).
• Classifies recommendations (Strong, Weak/Conditional).
• Considers multiple factors (risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, publication bias).

Data Collection Methods

• Quantitative: Surveys, experiments, observations
• Qualitative: Interviews, observations, case studies