Practical Research 1 Mastery Test 2025 PDF - Pointers to Review

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1 POINTERS TO REVIEW 1. Nature of Inquiry and Research Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research: o Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses. o Qualitative researc...

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1 POINTERS TO REVIEW 1. Nature of Inquiry and Research Quantitative vs. Qualitative Research: o Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to test hypotheses. o Qualitative research emphasizes understanding human behavior, experiences, and perspectives through non-numerical data. o Be able to identify the core differences in terms of methods, goals, and data collection strategies. Research Process: o Understand the steps in the research process: defining the problem, reviewing literature, designing the study, collecting data, and analyzing results. o Know examples of qualitative research in various fields (e.g., arts, humanities, sports, and science) and how they differ from quantitative studies. 2. Qualitative Research and Its Importance in Daily Life Characteristics of Qualitative Research: o Qualitative research often focuses on rich, detailed data about individuals or groups. o It explores the context of the phenomenon, rather than measuring it numerically. Strengths and Weaknesses: o Strengths include its flexibility, ability to explore complex human experiences, and contextual insights. o Weaknesses include difficulties with generalizability and objectivity, and potential bias in interpreting findings. Kinds of Qualitative Research: o Familiarize yourself with different types of qualitative research designs (e.g., phenomenology, narrative inquiry, case study, ethnography, grounded theory) and their specific purposes. 3. Identifying the Inquiry and Stating the Problem Research Title: o A good research title should be concise, clear, and reflect the study's focus. It should give an idea of what the study is about without being too specific or vague. Research Problem: o The research problem should be well-defined, focusing on a specific issue within a topic. o Make sure the scope of the study is clearly established—what will and will not be covered in the research. Research Questions: o Your research questions should align with your research problem and guide the overall investigation. Scope and Delimitations: o The scope defines the areas covered by the study, while delimitations specify what is excluded. Be clear about both to set clear boundaries for your research. 4. Learning from Others and Reviewing the Literature Literature Review: o The literature review is a summary of existing research that is relevant to your study. It helps to identify gaps, theories, and methods that may inform your work. Citing Literature: o Follow a standard citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) when referencing  o sources. Ensure you properly attribute the work of others to avoid plagiarism. Critical Analysis of Literature: o Be able to critically analyze sources for their relevance, validity, and methodology. Look beyond just supporting your hypothesis—evaluate the strengths and limitations of previous studies. 5. Understanding Data and Ways to Systematically Collect Data Choosing the Right Design: o The choice of qualitative research design should be guided by the research question and the type of data you wish to collect. o For example: ▪ Use phenomenology to explore lived experiences. ▪ Use case study for in-depth exploration of a single case or community. ▪ Use ethnography for studying cultural groups. ▪ Use grounded theory when you aim to develop a new theory based on your data. 6. Ethics in Research and Citation Ethical Standards: o Always follow ethical guidelines when conducting research. This includes informed consent, confidentiality, and avoiding plagiarism. Citation and Plagiarism: o Properly cite all sources to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. Understand the significance of direct quotes and paraphrasing and when to use page numbers.