ND 31 (Topic 1 & 2 Notes) PDF

Steps in Research: The Research Cycle Topic Outline: 1. Begin with a Problem 1. `Nature of Research ○ An inquisitive mind drives ○ What...

Steps in Research: The Research Cycle Topic Outline: 1. Begin with a Problem 1. `Nature of Research ○ An inquisitive mind drives ○ What research. Look for unresolved ○ research is NOT situations and ask the right ○ What is research? questions using critical thinking. ○ Steps of the research cycle 2. Clearly Articulate the Goal ○ Philosophical assumptions ○ Define a clear and unambiguous underlying research problem to address. This is methodologies essential for intellectual honesty. ○ Tools of research 3. Divide the Problem into Subproblems ○ Reflection on noteworthy ○ Break down the main problem research: Discovery of Penicillin into smaller, manageable subproblems. 4. Identify Hypotheses and Assumptions What Research is NOT: ○ Hypothesis: A logical supposition or educated guess. Not merely gathering information ○ Assumptions: Statements ○ This is simply information considered true without discovery or reference skills. scientific testing, which must be Not rummaging for hard-to-locate valid for meaningful research. information 5. Develop a Plan to Address the ○ This is an exercise in Problem and Subproblems self-enlightenment. ○ Plan and design your research. Not transporting facts from one Consider existing data and how location to another to generate and analyze new ○ This is transcription, data. documentation, organization, 6. Collect, Organize, and Analyze Data and summarization. ○ Quantitative Research: Measures quantities of variables using tools like rulers, thermometers, questionnaires, What is Research? etc. ○ Qualitative Research: Explores Definition: A systematic process of qualities and complexities that collecting, analyzing, and interpreting cannot be reduced to numbers, information (data) to increase focusing on perspectives, understanding of a phenomenon of behaviors, and values. interest. 7. Interpret the Meaning of the Data Formal Research: Not only ○ Extract meaning from data. understanding a phenomenon but also Interpretation is often subjective communicating discoveries to the larger and requires drawing community. conclusions based on hypotheses, assumptions, and logical reasoning. Philosophical Assumptions Underlying logic, inductive reasoning, and scientific Research Methodologies method. General Assumptions: ○ The phenomenon under investigation is lawful and The Human Mind in Research predictable. ○ Cause-and-effect relationships 1. Critical Thinking: Evaluates the explain observed patterns. accuracy, credibility, and worth of Philosophical Orientations: information. ○ Positivism: Focuses on 2. Deductive Logic: Starts with premises uncovering absolute truths, assumed to be true and derives mainly in natural sciences. conclusions logically. ○ Postpositivism: Recognizes 3. Inductive Reasoning: Begins with biases and elusiveness of observation and builds theories. absolute truths, more common 4. Scientific Method: Identifies a problem, in social sciences. posits hypotheses, gathers data, and ○ Constructivism: Believes analyzes it to resolve the problem. "realities" are human creations, 5. Theory Building: Involves organized focusing on perceptions and concepts to explain phenomena. interpretations. 6. Collaboration: Benefits from multiple ○ Pragmatism/Realism: perspectives and reduces individual Acknowledges both absolute biases. truths and the legitimacy of human beliefs about phenomena. Reflection on Noteworthy Research Example: The discovery of Penicillin. Tools of Research 1. Library Resources: One of the most valuable tools in research. 2. Computer Technology: Used for data processing, searching, organizing, etc. 3. Measurement: Systematic measurement of the phenomena under investigation. 4. Statistics: Helps comprehend data, describe it, and draw inferences. ○ Descriptive Statistics: Summarizes data (e.g., averages, variability). ○ Inferential Statistics: Aids in decision-making based on data. 5. Language: Facilitates communication and enhances thinking. 6. The Human Mind: The most important tool, enabling critical thinking, deductive  ➔ Select a topic that is interesting and worthy 1. Introduction of attention. ➔ Be realistic about what The main research problem or question you can accomplish. is the central focus of the entire research effort. 4. Setting the Problem It clarifies the research goals and prevents the researcher from veering off Key Components: into irrelevant or unproductive areas. ○ State any a priori hypotheses. ○ Identify specific variables under 2. Research Types investigation. ○ Define terms clearly. Basic Research: Enhances theoretical ○ State underlying assumptions. understanding of a topic; advances ○ Identify delimitations (scope) fundamental knowledge. and limitations (weaknesses). Applied Research: Addresses issues with immediate relevance to current 5. Stating the Research Problem practices, procedures, and policies. Action Research: A form of applied Guidelines: research focused on solving ongoing 1. State the problem clearly and problems in a specific work completely. environment. 2. Consider feasibility: Ensure the research is doable. 3. Choosing an Appropriate 3. Be precise on what you mean. 4. Keep an open mind about the Research Problem potential solution. 5. Edit your work: Refine your Criteria: problem statement. 1. The problem should address an Evaluating the Research Problem: important question with the 1. Write a clear statement. potential to make a difference. 2. Review and ask critical 2. It should advance knowledge, questions (clarity, focus, suggest applications, or pave open-mindedness). the way for further research. 3. Edit based on answers. Guidelines: 4. Reflect on the problem’s 1. Look around you: Identify significance and feasibility. questions or curiosities in your 5. Double check if the problem is environment. really what you want to 2. Review literature: Address investigate gaps, replicate studies in 6. Show your work to peers for different settings, apply existing feedback and further theories to new situations, etc. refinement. 3. Seek expert advice. ➔ Attend professional conferences. ➔ Choose a topic that intrigues and motivates you. 6. Dividing the Research Problem 8. Identifying Variables into Subproblems Variable: Any quality or characteristic in Characteristics of Subproblems: a research study with two or more ○ Each subproblem should be a possible values. fully researchable unit. Types of Variables: ○ Subproblems must be tied to ○ Independent Variable: The data interpretation. variable that is manipulated by ○ Subproblems should collectively the researcher. address the main problem. ○ Dependent Variable: The ○ Keep the number of variable potentially influenced subproblems small. by the independent variable. Identifying Subproblems: ○ Moderating Variable: Affects ○ Start with the main problem and the strength or direction of the break it down into specific relationship between the topics. independent and dependent ○ Use a paper-and-pencil variables. approach: ○ Mediating Variable: Explains 1. Write the problem on the process through which the paper with space independent variable affects the between lines. dependent variable. 2. Identify and box specific Conceptual Analysis Exercises: topics requiring in-depth ○ Identify the relationship between study. variables in given problem 3. Ensure each topic statements. includes a word indicating data 9. Defining Terms interpretation (e.g., analyze, discover). Operational Definitions: Define 4. Arrange subproblems in characteristics or variables in terms of a graphic to show how they will be identified or measured research design in the research. structure. 10. Stating Assumptions 7. Stating the Hypothesis Assumptions: Statements taken as Hypotheses: Intelligent, reasonable true without scientific testing. They must guesses about how the research be valid for the research to be problem might be resolved. meaningful. Example: ○ Hypothesis: "Teenagers 11. Identifying Delimitations and enrolled in Program A will graduate at a higher rate than Limitations those in Program B." Delimitations: Define what the research ○ Null Hypothesis: "There will be will not cover. no difference in graduation rates Limitations: Acknowledge the study's between the two programs." weaknesses. 12. Importance of the Study LIsting/explaining the reasons as to why the study was made. Questions to consider: ○ “Of what use is it?” ○ “What practical value does it have?” ○ “Will it make a difference in the well-being of the planet or its inhabitants?” 13. Writing the First Section Begin by providing background and context for the research problem, including relevant history, migration patterns, or other factors that set the stage for your study.