Research Methods and Inquiry

Study Notes

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behavior
Inquiry is defined as a seeking for truth, information, or knowledge, involving questioning

Concerns with changing knowledge, creativity, subjectivity, socio-cultural factors, sensory experience, and higher-order thinking strategies

Defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena, involving collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of facts
Involves questioning and investigation of something, like inquiry, but with several stages
Important in any field of study, cutting across all disciplines and benefiting all strata of society

Provides a scientific basis for any practice or methodology in any field or discipline
Undertaken for continuous development and further productivity in any field
Helps develop tools for assessing effectiveness of any practice and operation
Provides solutions to problems concerning almost all issues encountered in different areas of work
Impacts decision-making
Develops and evaluates alternative approaches to educational aspects of any discipline

Select a general problem
Review the literature of the problem
Select a specific research problem, question, or hypothesis
Collect data
Analyze and present or display data
Interpret the findings and state conclusions or generalizations regarding the problem

Critical: exhibits careful and precise judgment
Logical: based on valid procedures and principles
Empirical: based on direct experience or observation by the researcher
Analytical: utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering data
Replicability: research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results
Methodical: conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and procedures
Cyclical: a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem