Research Methods Overview

Inquiry

• Systematic investigation into a problem, issue, topic, or idea begins with formulating a research question.
• Start broad with all possible topics, narrowing down to an assigned topic and finally to a specific research question.

Investigation Methods

• Pattern Seeking: Observing natural events or conducting experiments with uncontrolled variables.
• Exploring and Observing: Discovering new knowledge and carefully observing objects, environments, or events through the senses.
• Modeling: Utilizing models to understand processes, validate thoughts, predict changes, and explain concepts.
• Classifying and Identifying: Sorting and recognizing elements in research for better understanding.
• Fair Testing: Focused on investigations that involve taking accurate measurements.

Purpose of Research

• Aims to find solutions to global issues and enhance researcher knowledge.
• Introduces new ideas/products and informs actions, proving theories and contributing knowledge development.

Qualitative Research

• Explores processes, feelings, and motives (the "why's" and "how's"), yielding in-depth data.
• Typically generates hypotheses from data instead of testing them.
• Utilizes unstructured or semi-structured instruments and purposive small samples.
• High validity, understanding individual differences based on feelings, motives, and experiences.
• Involves flexible processes with methods like field research, case studies, and secondary analysis.

Quantitative Research

• Focuses on characterizing trends and patterns within data.
• Begins without a pre-formed theory or hypothesis regarding variable relationships.
• Employs structured instruments like questionnaires with large representative samples.
• High output replicability for understanding group similarities.
• Follows structured processes, using methods such as census, surveys, experiments, and secondary analysis.

Inquiry-Based Research Steps

• Preparation: Focus on the topic, understand the problem, and decide the specific research question.
• Brainstorming: Generate ideas and develop concepts by asking questions based on interests and existing problems.

Considerations Before Research

• Choose problems of personal interest or relevant issues within the class/school/community.
• Identify areas of interest or specialization and prevailing theories or philosophies.

Criteria for Choosing a Research Topic

• Must be of interest to the researcher and suitable for a beginner with time constraints.
• Should be clear, specific, and not ambiguous.
• Ensure availability of data, effective data collection instruments, and financial capacity to support the research.
• Consider the time required to complete the project.