Research Methods Overview

Study Notes

Definition of Research

Systematic investigation to establish facts or principles.
Aimed at discovering new information, validating existing knowledge, or exploring phenomena.

Types of Research

Basic Research
- Focuses on foundational knowledge.
- Driven by curiosity and theoretical framework.
- Example: Studying cellular processes.
Applied Research
- Aims to solve practical problems.
- Uses findings from basic research.
- Example: Developing a new drug.
Quantitative Research
- Involves numerical data and statistical analysis.
- Seeks to establish patterns, test theories, or predict outcomes.
- Example: Surveys, experiments.
Qualitative Research
- Focuses on understanding concepts, thoughts, or experiences.
- Uses non-numerical data like interviews, focus groups.
- Example: Ethnographic studies.
Mixed Methods Research
- Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Provides a comprehensive understanding of research questions.

Research Process

Identifying the Problem
- Define the research question or hypothesis.
Literature Review
- Analyze existing research to contextualize the study.
Research Design
- Choose methodology: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
- Develop a plan for data collection and analysis.
Data Collection
- Gather information through experiments, surveys, interviews, etc.
Data Analysis
- Analyze collected data to draw conclusions.
- Use statistical software for quantitative data.
Interpretation of Results
- Discuss findings in relation to the hypothesis and existing literature.
Reporting and Publication
- Share results through reports, articles, or presentations.

Ethical Considerations

Obtain informed consent from participants.
Ensure confidentiality and anonymity.
Avoid plagiarism and ensure integrity of research.

Importance of Research

Advances knowledge and understanding in various fields.
Informs policy decisions and practices.
Drives innovation and technological advancement.
Contributes to societal progress and problem-solving.

Definition of Research

Systematic investigation aimed at establishing facts or principles.
Seeks to discover new information, validate existing knowledge, and explore phenomena.

Types of Research

Basic Research
- Focuses on foundational knowledge driven by curiosity.
- Theoretical framework guides studies, e.g., cellular processes.
Applied Research
- Aims to solve real-world problems utilizing findings from basic research.
- Commonly exemplified by the development of new drugs.
Quantitative Research
- Involves numerical data and statistical analysis.
- Seeks to identify patterns, test theories, and make predictions, e.g., through surveys or experiments.
Qualitative Research
- Aims to understand concepts, thoughts, and experiences using non-numerical data.
- Common methods include interviews and focus groups, e.g., ethnographic studies.
Mixed Methods Research
- Combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches.
- Provides a holistic understanding of research questions.

Research Process

Identifying the Problem
- The first step involves defining the research question or hypothesis.
Literature Review
- Evaluates existing research to frame the current study context.
Research Design
- Selects methodology: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
- Develops a plan for data collection and analysis.
Data Collection
- Gathers information via various methods such as experiments and surveys.
Data Analysis
- Involves scrutiny of collected data to draw conclusions.
- Statistical software is commonly used for quantitative data analysis.
Interpretation of Results
- Findings are discussed in relation to the hypothesis and existing literature.
Reporting and Publication
- Results are disseminated through reports, articles, or presentations.

Ethical Considerations

Informed consent must be obtained from research participants.
Ensure confidentiality and anonymity are maintained.
Uphold integrity by avoiding plagiarism and ethical breaches in research.

Importance of Research

Enhances knowledge and understanding across various disciplines.
Informs policy decisions and practical applications.
Fuels innovation and technological progress.
Contributes to societal development and addresses complex problems.

Description

Explore the different types of research: basic, applied, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. This quiz will help you understand the definitions, examples, and purposes behind each approach to research.