Systematic Research Processes & Thinking

• Research is not owned by one profession or discipline, but is an investigation covering knowledge
• Research is a continuous search using multiple systematic strategies to generate knowledge about human behavior, experience, and environments
• It comprises thinking processes with actions clearly delineated and is driven by a problem or question
• Research seeks information with a goal, follows a step-by-step process, and adheres to ethical standards

Research as Multiple Systematic Processes

• Experimental research focuses on prediction and is based on hypothesis testing (nomothetic)
• Naturalistic research emphasizes understanding and interpreting human experience within its context (idiographic)

Research as a Thinking Process

• Experimental research involves deductive reasoning (GENERAL → SPECIFIC), with a priori acceptance of truth
• One set of conclusions is accepted as true, theories are tested and relationships are tested among discrete phenomena
• Concepts are developed based on application to discrete phenomena, with an atomistic perspective and a single, separate reality

Naturalistic Reasoning

• Inductive reasoning is used (SPECIFIC → GENERAL), there is no a priori acceptance of truth and alternative conclusions can be drawn from data
• Theory is developed through relationships examined among unrelated pieces of data with concepts derived from repetition of patterns in a holistic perspective where multiple realities exist

Basic Characteristics of Research

• Logical research relies on authority (respected sources) and experiential knowledge (trial & error, history, intuition)
• Understandable research has explicit, sensible, precise, intelligible, and credible outcomes and conclusions
• Confirmable research uses clearly and logically identified evidence
• Claims should be supported by accurate and credible evidence and research strategies
• Useful research provides purposive knowledge and informs/improves professional practice and client outcomes

Research is Not

• Research is more than gathering or rewording information, combining paragraphs, or summarizing facts from others
• Learning research processes builds knowledge, enhances understanding of practice, and applies research insights to professional thinking/action
• Research impacts health policy, produces informed consumers of research literature, encourages research participation, and facilitates understanding of clinical trials

Essentials of Research

• Identify a philosophical foundation to reveal underlying assumptions of ontology and epistemology
• Frame research problems by identifying a broad topic or problem area
• Determine supporting knowledge by reviewing/synthesizing existing literature
• Identify a theory base to frame the problem and interpret results
• Develop a specific question to focus the research
• Select a design strategy and standard procedures
• Set study boundaries to establish the study's scope including methods for accessing research participants
• Obtain information using defined data collection strategies
• Analyze data and draw conclusions through systematic processes
• Share and disseminate research knowledge through writing

Qualities of a Good Research Question

• It is not simplified, requires definition and defense, is focused and relevant

Considerations in Framing Research

• Personal interest, relevance, need, purpose, and available resources should be considered

Sources of Research Topics

• Professional experience, needs, published research, existing theory, societal trends, and collaborations can all be sources of research topics

Developing Research

• Begin with a topic starting point, narrow the scope through mapping, list questions, select one, and focus on that question

Theoretical Framework

• A theoretical framework is how the research relates to an overarching theory
• Interrelated concepts organize and explain complex collections of facts and observations

Purpose of a Theory

• Theories explain observable events by showing how variables relate and predict what should occur in specific circumstances

Conceptual Framework

• Conceptual framework describes variables and presumed relationships based on a review of related literature

Variables

• Independent variables can be manipulated or changed
• Dependent variables are measured and depend on the independent variable
• Controlled variables remain constant

Exploration of research as an investigation covering knowledge. Comparing experimental research focusing on prediction to naturalistic research emphasizing understanding. Review of deductive reasoning involving a priori acceptance of truth.