Research Types: Purpose and Approach

• Research systematically investigates a topic to discover or revise facts, theories, and applications.
• Research involves formulating a question and attempting to answer it through methodical inquiry.
• Research is categorized based on purpose, approach, and data type.

Types of Research by Purpose

• Basic research expands knowledge without immediate practical use.
• Basic research answers fundamental questions and is also known as fundamental or pure research.
• Applied research solves specific, practical problems.
• Applied research applies existing knowledge to real-world situations to address immediate issues.
• Evaluation research assesses the effectiveness of programs, policies, or interventions.
• Action research is a collaborative approach to solve immediate problems within a specific context.
• Orientational research advances ideological or political positions.

Types of Research by Approach

• Quantitative research collects and analyzes numerical data.
• Qualitative research collects and analyzes non-numerical data like text, audio, or video.
• Mixed methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Types of Research by Data Type

• Empirical research relies on direct observation or experimentation for data collection.
• Theoretical research develops new ideas or perspectives using existing theories or models.

Characteristics of Good Research

• Systematic research follows a structured and organized process.
• Objective research is free from bias and personal opinions.
• Rigorous research is conducted with careful attention to detail and accuracy.
• Valid research measures what it intends to measure.
• Reliable research produces consistent results over time.
• Verifiable research findings are confirmed by other researchers.
• Empirical research is based on evidence.
• Critical research involves careful evaluation of data and conclusions.

The Research Process

• Identify a research problem by defining the issue or question for investigation.
• Review the literature by examining existing research on the topic.
• Formulate a hypothesis or research question, developing a testable statement or question.
• Select a research design, choosing the appropriate method for data collection and analysis.
• Collect data to gather information relevant to the research question.
• Analyze data by processing and interpreting the collected information.
• Draw conclusions by summarizing the findings and relating them to the research question.
• Disseminate findings by sharing the results through publications or presentations.

Research Ethics

• Informed consent requires participants to be fully informed about the research and agree to participate.
• Confidentiality protects the privacy of participants and their data.
• Anonymity ensures that participants cannot be identified from their data.
• Avoiding harm minimizes any potential risks to participants.
• Integrity demands conducting research honestly and transparently.
• Conflicts of interest require disclosing any potential conflicts.

Variables in Research

• The independent variable is manipulated or changed by the researcher.
• The dependent variable is measured or observed in response to the independent variable.
• A control variable is kept constant during the experiment.
• A confounding variable influences both the independent and dependent variables, creating a spurious association.

Sampling Techniques

• Random sampling gives each population member an equal chance of selection.
• Stratified sampling divides the population into subgroups (strata) and takes a random sample from each.
• Convenience sampling selects participants based on availability or convenience.
• Purposive sampling selects participants based on specific criteria or characteristics.

Data Collection Methods

• Surveys collect data through questionnaires or interviews.
• Experiments manipulate variables to determine cause-and-effect relationships.
• Observations systematically record behavior or events.
• Interviews involve structured or unstructured conversations with participants.
• Focus groups gather data from group discussions.
• Document analysis examines existing documents or records.

Data Analysis Techniques

• Descriptive statistics summarize data using measures like mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
• Inferential statistics make inferences about a population based on a sample.
• Regression analysis examines the relationship between variables.
• Content analysis analyzes the content of text or media.
• Thematic analysis identifies recurring themes or patterns in qualitative data.

Research Design

• Experimental design manipulates an independent variable to determine its effect on a dependent variable.
• Quasi-experimental design is similar to experimental design but lacks random assignment of participants to groups.
• Correlational design examines the relationship between variables without manipulation.
• Descriptive design describes the characteristics of a population or phenomenon.
• Case study design is an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event.
• Longitudinal design collects data from the same participants over time.
• Cross-sectional design collects data from different participants at a single point in time.

Literature Review

• A literature review is a comprehensive summary of existing research on a topic.
• Literature reviews identify gaps and provide context for the current study.
• Literature reviews justify the research question and methodology.
• Literature reviews demonstrate the researcher's knowledge of the topic.

Writing a Research Proposal

• A research proposal is a detailed plan of the proposed research.
• Research proposals include the research question, objectives, methodology, and timeline.
• Research proposals seek funding or approval for the research.

Research Reporting

• Research findings are reported in a written report or publication.
• Research reports include an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Reports should be clear, concise, and well-organized.
• Figures and tables should effectively present data.

Significance of Research

• Research advances knowledge and understanding.
• Research improves practices and policies.
• Research solves problems and addresses issues.
• Research informs decision-making.
• Research contributes to societal progress.