Research Methods Quiz

Introduction to Educational Research for Social Sciences (Part 1)

• Research is defined as solving problems with no known solutions in the current context. Learning from existing knowledge is not research.
• Online searches are not considered research.
• Research is used to understand the world, solve existing problems, and improve existing solutions.

What is Research?

• Research is a scientific method to answer questions.
• Research is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) to increase understanding of phenomena.
• Educational Research is focused on addressing issues and answering questions related to education.

3 Inquiry Methods in Research

• Positivist: Numerical analysis emphasizing research evidence accuracy. Uses data like observation and interviews.
• Interpretive: Uses verbal descriptive data, observation, and interviews to examine characteristics in depth, often from the subject's point of view.
• Critical: Aims to improve social conditions of humankind. The study's validity is determined by how well the researchers improve social situations.

Steps of Conducting Scientific Method

• Identify a problem or area of interest.
• Develop research objectives or questions.
• Formulate a hypothesis.
• Develop a research plan.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Accept/reject the hypothesis.
• Interpret results and form conclusions.

Research Classification

• System 1: Basic research (developing and testing theories). Applied research (solving immediate problems and improving products or processes).
• System 2: Quantitative research (structured approach to numerical, measurable data to test hypotheses). Qualitative research (non-numerical data analysis of natural settings and in-depth descriptions).
• System 3: Experimental research (independent and dependent variables focusing on cause and effect). Non-experimental research (includes causal-comparative, descriptive, and correlational designs).

Criteria for a Good Research Title

• The title must be feasible (doable).
• It needs to be interesting, ethical, and relevant.
• Consider the elements of what, why, when, who, and how in the title.

Research Problem, Objective, & Title Examples

• Example 1 (Disruptive Behavior): Teachers and schools face disruptive behavior among secondary school students.
• **RO (Example 1):**To examine the contexts of disruptive behavior among secondary school students.
• **RQ (Example 1):**What are the contexts of disruptive behavior among secondary school students?
• Title (Example 1): The Contexts of Disruptive Behavior Among Secondary School Students
• Example 2 (Online Learning): The issue of isolation in the online learning environment. - **RO (Example 2):**To examine the students' perceptions on the social presence in the online learning environment.
• RQ (Example 2): What are the student’s perceptions on the social presence in the online learning environment?
• Title (Example 2): The Issues and Challenges in an Online Learning Environment

How to write a statement of the problem

• Start with the topic/subject matter.
• Clearly state the research problem.
• Justify the importance of the research problem referring to past research and existing practices.
• Explain the deficiencies in current knowledge regarding the problem.
• Identify the target audience for the research.

Opening sentences of a research introduction

• Important to grab readers' attention.
• Should clearly state the research topic and importance immediately in an engaging manner.
• Consider using compelling statistics, provocative questions, or a clear statement of the study's intent to hook the reader.

How to develop Research Objectives and Research Questions

• Research objectives and questions should align and complement each other in a research plan.

List of questions for yourself about research approach, design, etc.

• Define your research approach.
• Identify the types of participants will be in your research.
• State the methods to select the participants and why.
• Explain how you gain access and the procedures.
• Specify the instrument (if applicable).
• Specify the data collecting technique employed and the reasoning behind the method.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research Objectives

• Quantitative: To examine the factors affecting teacher motivation levels. To compare, investigate, and measure differences in motivation levels between teachers in private and public schools. To compare male and female teachers' motivation levels.
• Qualitative: To determine factors contributing to disciplinary problems encountered by excellent teachers in their classrooms and to learn about teachers’ perspectives and strategies used. To discover the sources of excellent teachers’ strategies for managing student behavior.

Hypothesis and Theory

• A hypothesis is a statement predicting the research's outcome.
• A hypothesis is about the relationship between phenomena.
• A theory is based on a belief/assumption about how things are related to each other and how a cause and effect relationship works. A theory is made from deductive/inductive reasoning. 

Null and Alternate hypotheses (Quantitative)

• Example (showing relationship between variables): Null (H0): There is NO significant difference in the level of burnout between the male and female teachers due to destructive behavior. Alternative (H1): There is a significant difference in the level of burnout between the male and female teachers due to destructive behavior.

Chapter 1: Introduction, Background, and Problem

• Subsections (Sections) of Chapter 1: introduction (includes topic, importance and general purpose), background of the study, research problems, research objectives, research questions, research hypotheses, and significant of study, Scope/Delimitations, operational definitions, conclusion.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

• A synthesis of relevant research articles, books, and documents is included for the research topic.
• Subsections: Introduction, Theoretical background, General Issues, specific RQ(s), Conceptual Framework, and conclusion are necessary sections to improve the writing of a literature review.

Theoretical & Conceptual Frameworks

• Theoretical Framework (TF): A set of interconnected constructs, definitions, and propositions which provides a systematic view of the phenomenon. TF is based on previously developed theories.
• Conceptual Framework (CF): Created by the researcher after studying various theories to explain the relationship between variables. It serves as a specific paradigm for the research analysis. CF may incorporate quantitative and qualitative research.

Writing a Comprehensive Literature Review

• Steps: 1. Gather and analyze sources (select sources, identify key findings, consider gaps in research ) 2. Evaluate and synthesize understandings (summarize information, draft a potential outline, consider different viewpoints regarding the topic, identify strong points/limitations) 3. Draft and polish your review. (use a clear structure and logical flow for the writing)
• Create a Literature Review Matrix to organize research and synthesize information from different authors and perspectives.

Research Questions and Objectives

• Clearly state all the research hypotheses and questions in a summary or table format.
• Ensure that research objectives, questions, and hypotheses are clearly defined and understandable to ensure the analysis will be consistent.

Research Designs (Chapter 3)

• Quantitative: Survey, experimental, correlational, causal-comparative
• Qualitative: Basic Qualitative Research, case study, phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography
• Mixed-methods: Sequential (exploratory sequential design), Concurrent (concurrent mixed design). 

Sampling, Sample Size, and Sample Types

• Random Sampling: Simple Random Sampling, Stratified Random Sampling, Cluster Random Sampling, Two-Stage Random Sampling
• Non-Random Sampling: Convenience Sampling, Systematic Sampling, Purposive Sampling , Maximal Variation Sampling, Extreme Sampling, Typical Sampling, Theory, Concept Sampling, Homogeneous Sampling, Critical Sampling, Opportunistic Sampling, Snowball Sampling, Confirming/Disconfirming Sampling
• Sample Size: Consider the type of research, participants required for each type and consider the time required to gather the data. Quantitative designs require larger sample sizes to generalize while qualitative requires smaller. 

Survey

• Suitable for data gathering from a large population efficiently, collect data quickly, and has generalized results.
• Questionnaires can be face-to-face or online (for surveys).

Interview Questions and Focus Groups

• Interviews: These are used frequently in qualitative research and help provide insights into participants' thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, or ideas. Interview questions must complement the research objectives and research questions.
• Focus Groups: These discussions involve gathering people with similar backgrounds to discuss a specific area of interest allowing participants to respond collectively and provide insights regarding a specific topic of interest or provide feedback/analysis on materials. 

Observation Techniques (Qualitative)

• Structured Observations: Using a checklist to record predefined behaviors or criteria.
• Unstructured Observations: General observation in the natural setting recording behaviors and noting any important issues.
• Performance Checklist: Used to record specific actions and behavior using checkmarks.
• Time-and-Motion Log: Detailed records of events, people, and activities recorded over time. 

Research Instruments: Guidelines

• The language must match the respondents' comprehension level.
• Words and sentences must be unambiguous in the different instruments.
• Each item in the instrument must focus on one specific area of measurement and should avoid confusing or overly complex concepts in order to prevent misinterpretation.
• Avoid using very broad or specific questions which may introduce error in the results or bias in the interpretations.
• Precise wording is essential.

Research Ethics

• Ethical considerations regarding research should be taken into consideration throughout the research process and detailed in the methodology chapter. Ethical Issues: plagiarism, misuse of privileged data, manipulating data, authorship issues. Informed consent, voluntary participation, confidentiality, anonymity are important elements in every study.

Data analysis

• Data analysis in qualitative and quantitative research must be performed methodically and followed consistently with the initial objectives in order for the analysis to be valid.

Test your knowledge on various research methods, including the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, the scientific method, and applied research. This quiz will challenge your understanding of key concepts in the field of research. Perfect for students and educators alike!