Research Methods and Approaches

Research Methods

• Research is defined as asking questions, finding answers, gathering information, and examining habits, medical information, and opinions.
• Research aims to understand societies, social processes, and social actions, and to create theories to improve social conditions.
• Research uses a systematic process to solve problems or find answers to inquiries.
• Investigations involve a systematic examination of facts related to a matter.
• Inquiry is the process of solving a problem through research and probing.
• Quasi-experimental research involves selecting groups for testing, without random pre-selection.
• Variables, validity, reliability, and measurement are key concepts in research.
• Research topics can be controversial based on personal opinions.

Research Approaches

• Quantitative Research:
  • Data is typically gathered using structured instruments.
  • Data is often replicable and comparable to other studies.
• Qualitative Research:
  • Immersion allows researchers to adapt to the culture within a society.

Research Designs

• Correlational Studies: Determine if two variables are correlated.
• Observational Studies: Observe and record participants to describe participants in a research project.
• Case Studies: In-depth study of an individual or group. Includes analyzing variables.
• Quasi-Experimental Studies: Select groups for testing, instead of using random pre-selection.
• Experimental Research: Manipulation and controlled testing to understand causal processes.
• Descriptive Research: Depicts participants in an accurate way.

Research Components

• Background of Research: Provides an overview of the study and explains the research purpose.
• Scope and Delimitation: Sets boundaries and parameters for the research.
• Review of Related Literature: A collection of pertinent readings, to support and explain research.
• Data Collection Procedures: The means or processes of gathering and measuring information about variables.
• Conceptual Framework: Blueprint or recipe for quantitative research.
• Variables: Fundamental concepts of research. Includes independent (predictor), dependent (explained), control, and confounding.
• Conceptual Framework: The recipe or blueprint in conducting quantitative research. It includes definitions of key terms to ensure clarity.

Research Issues

• Bias: Personal bias can be avoided by maintaining a distance from participants and using accepted computational techniques.
• Limitations of Quantitative Research: Methods may only produce proven or unproven results, with limited room for uncertainty. Quantitative research can be costly, complex, and time-consuming.
• Confounding Variables: Factors that exist but aren't directly observable, influencing the dependent variable.
• Structural Bias/False Representation: Research questions created by researchers may reflect their viewpoint instead of participants'.

Key Research Concepts

• Hypothesis: Testable statement presented for research.
• Literature Review: Overview of relevant research on the topic.
• Data analysis: Using appropriate methods to analyze the collected data (quantitative).
• Plagiarism: Misconduct; using others' work without proper attribution.
• Instruments: Tools used for collecting numerical data (e.g., questionnaires, surveys).

Writing a Research Paper

• Conceptual Framework: Develops a topic, reviewing variables, creating a research question, developing a research plan, and considering research findings.