Research Methods - Chapter One

Research Methods - Chapter One

• Research is a thorough inquiry into a subject, utilizing various resources, including print, electronic sources, and guidance from instructors.
• Research aims to uncover truth, extend knowledge, and solve problems through investigation.
• Sources beyond personal resources are utilized for research.
• Research is a self-evaluative process, where researchers examine their questions and possible solutions.
• Research findings and conclusions are documented in research papers.

Research Paper/ Primary & Secondary Research

• A research paper formats research findings in print, electronic, or multimedia formats.
• Research falls into two categories:
  • Primary research: original work based on the researcher's specific objectives.
  • Secondary research: using existing resources to achieve research goals.
• Primary research involves firsthand observation and investigation.
• Secondary research analyzes other researchers' findings to provide support and context.

Research Paper/ Secondary Research

• Secondary research involves analyzing existing research and opinions of experts.
• Secondary research gathers statistical data and historical documents.
• Secondary research gives authority and validity to a writer's arguments.
• Secondary research enhances a student's intellectual abilities.
• Secondary research is carefully presented as part of the research paper, to support the author's ideas.

Selecting a Topic

• Choosing a research topic is crucial for successful research.
• Consider interests, available time, appropriate space, topic objectivity, and accessibility of relevant sources.
• Students should consult instructors and course materials to identify suitable topics.
• Seek instructor approval for topic modifications.

Conducting Research

• Research involves using various sources, including print, electronic, and multimedia materials.
• Conducting surveys, interviews, consultations with government agencies, and visiting historical places are valuable sources for research.
• The Internet, through the World Wide Web, provides access to extensive information.
• Recommended websites and resources from instructors and librarians should be utilized.
• Key words or topics to find specific information should be used.

Library Facilities

• Libraries offer numerous resources for research.
• Books, magazines, journals, periodicals, newspapers, and reference works are available.
• Indexes and bibliographies provide guidance to related materials.
• Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and biographical sources offer introductory information and specific details.
• Yearbooks, almanacs, atlases, and gazetteers provide statistical data, maps, and geographical information.
• Facilities include computers, printers, and internet access.
• Librarians provide guidance on information retrieval and research.
• Online databases, audio and visual recordings are also available.

Library Search

• Library catalogs and databases allow for searches by author, title, subject, keyword, or Boolean searches.
• Specialized facilities, such as reserved books, are available.
• Updated resources from libraries are continually kept in libraries.

Working Bibliography

• A working bibliography is a list of researched sources.
• The initial list evolves as research progresses.
• It's vital to record sources with complete information for the “Works Cited” page.

Evaluating Sources

• Evaluating sources is crucial for ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Assess sources for bias, accuracy, outdated information, and expertise, etc.
• Examine if the material is logical, factual, and presented comprehensibly.
• Consult with instructors or librarians for evaluation guidance.
• Authentic sources and the reliability of the information source should be considered.
• Understanding the publisher's policy and author's credentials is important.

Taking Notes

• Note-taking strategies help organize research for the research paper.
• Note-taking methods may vary, but their purpose is the same: collecting and organizing information.
• Common note-taking methods include summary, paraphrase, and direct quotation.
• When direct quotations are used, quotation marks must be placed around them.
• Always keep a record of the source for each note.
• Record author, publication date, and page number.

Outlining

• Outlining is a crucial preliminary stage in the research writing process.
• It involves structuring research into logical sections for clarity and coherence.
• Outlines should be supported by logical examples and align with instructor expectations
• Outlines must be easily changeable with research developments.
• The outline should be free from irrelevant material, repetition, prejudiced viewpoints, comparisons, or overgeneralizations.
• The outline's conclusion should invite further research and reading.

Writing Drafts

• Writing drafts is an iterative process to improve content and form.
• Writers should critically assess their content and form in the drafts.
• Revising drafts is critical to refining clarity, logical arrangement, factual correctness, and proper citation.
• Sources should be checked for appropriateness and accuracy.
• Revisiting and refining content in response to issues pertaining to logical arrangement, validity of source, and completeness is required.
• A variety of methods can be used to revise and arrange ideas and content.