Understanding Research Methodologies

Nature of Research

• Research is a way to examine practice, particularly within professions.
• It involves critical thinking about aspects of professional work.
• Research involves systematically examining information to find answers.

What is Research?

• Research involves a framework of philosophies (approaches).
• Research uses tested procedures, methods, and techniques.
• Research is designed to be unbiased and objective.

What is Research? (Continued)

• Philosophies include approaches like qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Validity means applying correct procedures to answer research questions.
• Reliability refers to repeatability and accuracy of measurement procedures.
• Unbiased and objective means taking steps and drawing conclusions without bias.

What is Research? (Continued)

• Adherence to criteria makes a process "research".
• The degree of research criteria varies between disciplines.
• The meaning of research differs between disciplines.
• Research must meet specific requirements.

Definition of Research

• Research is composed of "re" and "search" — to examine closely.
• "Re" means again or over again.
• "Search" means to examine carefully.
• Research is a careful and systematic study (Grinnell, 2008).

Definition of Research (Continued)

• Research is a systematic inquiry (Allison, Hilton, O'Sullivan, Owen, Rothwell, 2016).
• Research addresses meaningful questions and problems.
• Meaningful questions indicate the expected answer.
• Problems or questions may not be answerable through inquiry alone.

Importance of Research

• Research is important in all fields, both scientific and nonscientific.
• Research helps understand nature and events.
• It identifies crucial issues.
• Research facilitates data analysis and decision-making.
• Research helps implement effective strategies.

Characteristics of Research

• Research is a process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information.
• Criteria for research includes being controlled, rigorous, systematic, valid, verifiable, empirical, and critical.

Types of Research Methodologies

• Qualitative research includes historical, content analysis, and ethnographic approaches.
• Quantitative research involves experimental, single-subject, correlational, causal-comparative, and survey methods.

Research by Practitioners

• Research classifications can be viewed from perspectives like application, objectives, and inquiry mode.

Types of Research Application of Research Study

• Pure research creates theories and hypotheses and may not have immediate practical applications.
• Applied research tackles specific practical problems or applications.
• Developmental research uses existing knowledge for new products or processes.

Objectives in undertaking research

• Research can be classified as descriptive, non-causal (correlational), causal, exploratory.

Types of Research Inquiry mode used

• Structured approach usually employs quantitative methods.
• Unstructured approach uses qualitative methods.
• Mixed approach combines both qualitative and quantitative methods.

Types of Research (according to N.J. Salkind)

• Experimental research examines cause-and-effect relationships.

Thesis vs Feasibility Study

• A thesis broadens knowledge by exploring uncharted areas.
• A feasibility study evaluates the implementation of an idea, project, or concept.

Difficulties Encountered in Research

• Choosing an appropriate topic, methodology, participants, data sources, and gaining institutional support.

Research Process Model of Scientific Inquiry

• Key steps in research include asking a question, identifying factors, formulating hypotheses, collecting information, testing hypotheses, reviewing theory, and asking new questions.

Research Process Model of Scientific Inquiry (Experimental)

• Steps in experimental research involve choosing a problem, researching it, developing a hypothesis, designing an experiment, testing the hypothesis, organizing data, drawing conclusions, and evaluating the experiment.

Sources of Research Problem

• Personal experiences, curiosity, research recommendations, current field developments, and peer discussions are valid research sources.

What is a Research Problem?

• A research problem is a significant question or issue needing further study or investigation in a particular field or subject area.

The Research Problem (Continued)

• A research problem describes the issue or gap requiring resolution.
• The title should be clear, brief, and meaningful.
• A change in the problem alters the study itself.

S.M.A.R.T.

• Guidelines for research problems include specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound objectives.

Criteria for Choosing a Topic

• Criteria for choosing appropriate topics are based on importance, interest, researchability, relevance, and time constraints.

Topic Selection Considerations

• Considerations for topic selection include personal interest, organizational support, ethical considerations, contribution to the field, and feasibility considerations (time, cost, resources).

Research Topic (Continued)

• Questions to consider when formulating a research topic include why the topic was chosen, who are the important figures, what are the significant issues, where is the topic important and when is it important.

Problem and Solution Formulation

• A flowchart illustrates the process of formulating research problems and solutions, involving a literature review, proposal of solutions, and implementation of plans.