Understanding Research and the Scientific Method

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Questions and Answers

What quality is considered the most important for a research topic?

  • Length of the title
  • Complexity
  • Relevance to historical events
  • Clarity (correct)

What is a key step in writing a research title?

  • Add personal opinions
  • Identify research study keywords (correct)
  • Use jargon specific only to your field
  • Include as many words as possible

What distinguishes a feasibility study from a thesis?

  • Feasibility studies are conducted without hypotheses
  • Thesis relies on empirical data while feasibility studies do not (correct)
  • Thesis is focused on project implementation
  • Feasibility studies are based on opinions

Which of the following characteristics is NOT considered important in selecting a research topic?

<p>Originality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step should NOT be included when writing a research paper title?

<p>Make the title overly complex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is defined as a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology?

<p>Research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component for constructing a good hypothesis?

<p>Making an educated guess (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents a key step in the scientific method?

<p>Performing background research (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a research proposal?

<p>To outline objectives and methodology (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to choose the right research topic?

<p>It forms the foundation for the research (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which step immediately follows proposing a research project?

<p>Gather the research data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does identifying gaps in existing knowledge allow researchers to do?

<p>Justify the need for new research (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of the scientific method?

<p>Ignoring previous findings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of research that ensures consistency and reliability?

<p>Systematic (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is least important when assembling a research team?

<p>Maximizing funding (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should researchers not stop at the first rejection when attempting to get institutions to participate?

<p>Persistence can lead to alternate avenues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should data be treated to maintain its integrity in research?

<p>It should be transformed into numerical measures. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which approach should researchers follow when developing hypotheses?

<p>Employ the hypothesis as a guiding assumption. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one important aspect of staying motivated during research?

<p>Monitor your attitude. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of employing controlled variables in research?

<p>To ensure that tested variables are isolated. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'objective' refer to in the context of research findings?

<p>Unbiased and logically derived from empirical data. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Good research topic characteristic

A clear, well-defined research topic that is currently important.

Research title writing steps

Answer key questions, identify keywords, use keywords, create working title, remove unnecessary words/phrases, and possibly add a subtitle.

Thesis

A claim supported by theories and tested with hypothesis, using empirical data.

Feasibility study

Examination of a project's implementability.

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Research topic clarity

Essential for directional research methodology.

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Research Process

A systematic approach to acquiring knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis.

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Empirical Research

Research based on observations and experiments, rather than theory.

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Systematic Research

Research that follows a structured, orderly sequence.

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Controlled Research

Research where all variables except the tested ones remain constant.

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Hypothesis

An assumption or prediction that guides a research investigation.

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Data Analysis

The process of examining and interpreting collected information.

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Research Team

A group of individuals working together to conduct research.

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Research Importance

Research is the source of new discoveries supporting truth, requiring careful planning and execution.

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Research

A structured inquiry using scientific methods to solve problems and create knowledge.

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Scientific Method

A set of techniques used to investigate phenomena and acquire/correct knowledge.

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Good Hypothesis

An educated guess allowing predictions about how things work.

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Research Proposal

A detailed plan of a research project, including objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

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Research Topic

The subject or area of a research project; a crucial starting point.

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Conflicting Theoretical Claims

Different ideas among theorists, potentially leading to research topics.

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Conflicting Research Results

Differing outcomes from previous studies, leading to need for further research.

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Background Research Synthesis

Combining and summarizing studies on a research topic to gain a better understanding.

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Study Notes

Research Meaning and Nature

  • Research is a structured inquiry using scientific methods to solve problems and generate knowledge.
  • Grinnell (1993) defines research as a structured inquiry
  • Goldhaber & Nieto (2010) define the scientific method as a set of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting previous knowledge.

The Scientific Method

  • Background research and review of related studies are initial steps
  • Identifying gaps in knowledge through questions and the research problem
  • Conducting detailed background research and a review of relevant literature
  • Formulating hypotheses
  • Testing hypotheses using appropriate methods
  • Analyzing data collected
  • Interpreting findings (drawing conclusions)

Importance of Research

  • Research generates new discoveries and supports established truths.

Characteristics of Research

  • Empirical: based on observations and experiments.
  • Systematic: follows an orderly and sequential procedure.
  • Controlled: all variables except the tested one are held constant.
  • Employs hypotheses: an assumption that guides investigation.
  • Analytical: critical analysis of the data.
  • Objective, unbiased, and logical: all findings are logically based on empirical data.
  • Quantitative or statistical methods: data is transformed into numerical measures and statistically analyzed.

Difficulties in Research

  • Choosing the right topic: Crucial for a strong foundation.
  • Choosing the right methodology
  • Assembling a research team: Solicit feedback, vet the team, and be clear about needs.
  • Finding study participants: Avoid wasted resources, leverage networks, and don't give up on rejection.
  • Getting institutions to participate: Persistence, relationships, and proper preparation are critical.
  • Staying motivated: Follow passion, track progress, and reward efforts.
  • Dealing with data: grounding the research, utilizing technology, and staying focused.

Characteristics of a Good Research Topic

  • Clear: directional and sets the methodology.
  • Well-defined: clear and phrased accurately.
  • Current: relevant to current research.

Steps in Writing a Research Title

  • Answer research questions.
  • Identify keywords.
  • Construct a title using keywords.
  • Remove unnecessary phrases.
  • Consider adding a subtitle.

Thesis vs. Feasibility Study

  • Thesis: A claim supported by tested theories, resulting in empirical data.
  • Feasibility Study: An assessment of project implementation.

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