Research Methods and Design

Research Overview

• Research follows a step-by-step investigation process.
• Research uses questions and answers to discover new information.
• Utilizes a standardized approach to gather data and expand knowledge.

Characteristics of Research

• Systematic research follows a scientific procedure.
• Feasible research is attainable.
• Objective research is free from bias.
• Empirical research is measurable.
• Clear research is organized and straightforward.
• Effective research is experimental.
• Perception-based research is a survey.

Importance of Research

• Research impacts decision-making.
• It provides solutions to problems.
• Research develops and evaluates alternatives.
• It develops tools for assessing effectiveness.
• Research provides a scientific basis.
• It ensures continuous development and productivity.
• Research advances personal and professional qualifications of practitioners.

Components of Research Method and Designs

• Uses words, sentences, or paragraphs.
• Is semi-structured, following a set of questions.
• Focuses on insights and understanding.
• Explores how and why.
• It Typically uses small sample sizes.

Research Designs Characteristics

• Organizes data/information into a layout or template.

Types of Research Design

• Action Research aims to gather information to find a solution.
• Descriptive Research uses the 5 Ws and 1 H to obtain information about the currenct situation.
• Experimental Design explores cause and effect by controlling and manipulating factors.
• Exploratory Design investigates problems and aims to gain more information about subjects with limited past research.
• Mix-method Design implents both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Quantitative Research Method

• A number-based/statistical approach
• It uses structured instruments like questions, surveys, census and experiments.
• Typically involves large sample sizes.

Qualitative Research Titles: Keywords and Focus

• Keywords: "Explore," "Understand," "Describe," "Perception," "Experience," "Phenomenon," "Narrative," "Case Study," "Ethnography," "Grounded Theory," "Phenomenological."
• Focus: Understanding experiences, perceptions, or social phenomena.
• Aims: Provides insights and context.

Qualitative Research Titles: Examples

• "Exploring the Experiences of Immigrant Women in Urban Areas"
• "Understanding the Perceptions of High School Teachers on Digital Learning Tools"
• "A Case Study of Leadership Dynamics in Small Business Organizations"

Qualitative Research Method

• A naturalistic method of inquiry.
• It is narrative and subjective.
• Uses words/sentences/paragraphs.

Quantitative Research Titles: Keywords and Focus

• Keywords: "Effect," "Impact," "Relationship," "Correlation," "Association," "Comparison," "Influence," "Statistical," "Survey," "Experimental," "Measurement."
• Focus: Measuring variables, testing hypotheses, and determining statistical relationships/effects.
• Aims: To quantify data and identify patterns.

Quantitative Research Titles: Examples

• "The Impact of Social Media Usage on Academic Performance of College Students"
• "A Comparative Study of Test Scores between Public and Private Schools"
• "Measuring the Effect of Exercise on Mental Health Outcomes"

Phenomenological Study

• Examines human experience.
• Discovers inner feelings.
• Asks many set questions.

Case Study

• In-depth examination of individuals or groups.
• Purpose: To gain insights into little-known problems and provide data for broader studies.

Narrative Analysis

• Involves the researcher analyzing the subject's speech, minimizing questions and focusing on behavioral observations.
• Psychological: Analyzes internal thoughts to uncover true feelings through the subject's words.
• Biographical: Considers individual's society and factors, accounting for both men and women to differentiate responses.
• Discourse Analysis: Focuses on texts and contexts, including language use.

Variables in Quantitative Research

• Variables are what a researcher measures, controls, or manipulates.
• They represent changing quantities or measures of factors/traits with differing amounts or types.
• These are also known as a data item.

Types of Quantitative Research

• Numeric Variable: Represents a measurable quantity (how many/much).
  • Continuous variable: internal variables, such as time, age, temperature, height, weight.
• Discrete Variable: Assumes any whole value.
  • Example: Registered car. -Categorical Variable:
  • Ordinal: Logically ordered or ranked.
    • Examples: sizes (S, M, L, XL), agreement levels (agree, disagree, strongly disagree)
  • Nominal: Cannot be organized in a logical sequence.
    • Examples: eye color, religion, language.
  • Dichotomous: Has only two categories.
    • Examples: yes/no, true/false, male/female.
  • Polychotomous: Many pre-grouped categories.
    • Examples: educational attainment, level of performance.