PR1 Unit 1: Nature and Inquiry of Research PDF

pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH Unit 1 Nature and Inquiry of Research The word research simply means: -finding a piece of information or making notes and then writing a documented paper. -refers to...

pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH Unit 1 Nature and Inquiry of Research The word research simply means: -finding a piece of information or making notes and then writing a documented paper. -refers to the act of informing oneself about what one does not know, perhaps by rummaging through available sources (such as the internet or library) to retrieve a bit of information. What Research Is Not The following are some common misconceptions about research. 1. Research is not mere information gathering- Going to the library (as an example) is just information gathering. 2. Research is not mere transportation of facts from one location to another. The true essence of research is not just to gather data or information, but to analyze, interpret data gathered and to draw conclusions from them. This is just what we called fact transcription, fact organization, or fact summarization. 3. Research is not merely rummaging for information. Rummaging, whether through one’s personal records or at the public or college library, is not research. It is more accurately called an exercise in self-enlightenment. 4. Research is not a catchword used to get attention. The phrase “years of research” on product labels catching your attention is not the “research” we mean- its misleading. What Research Is Research - is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information (data) in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon about which we are interested or concerned. - formal research, which intentionally sets out to enhance our understanding of a phenomenon and expect to communicate what we discover to the larger scientific community. - a process of executing various mental acts for discovering and examining facts and information to prove the accuracy or truthfulness of your claims or conclusions about the topic of your research - requires you to inquire or investigate about your chosen research topic by asking questions that will make you engage yourself in top-level thinking strategies of interpreting, analyzing synthesizing, criticizing, appreciating, or creating to enable you to discover truth about the many things you tend to wonder about the topic of your research (Litchman 2013) Importance of Research 1. Research gathers knowledge or information on subjects or phenomena we lack or have little knowledge about. 2. Research corrects perceptions as well as expands them. 3. Research develops and evaluates concepts, practices and theories. 4. Research also develops and evaluates methods that test concepts, practices and theories. 5. Research obtains practical knowledge for purposes like solving problems on population explosion, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency and the like. In business, research is used to test products, ensure the adequate distribution of a  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH company’s product, measuring advertising effectiveness and helps the company to stay competitive in the market. 6. Research provides hard facts which serves as bases for planning, decision-making, project-implementation and evaluation. Characteristics of Research 1. Accuracy. It must give correct or accurate data, which the footnotes, notes, and bibliographical entries should honestly and appropriately documented or acknowledged. 2. Objectiveness. It must deal with facts, not with mere opinions arising from assumptions, generalizations, predictions, or conclusions. 3. Timeliness. It must work on a topic that is fresh, new, and interesting to the present society. 4. Relevance. Its topic must be instrumental in improving society or in solving problems affecting the lives of people in a community. 5. Clarity. It must succeed in expressing its central point or discoveries by using simple, direct, concise, and correct language. 6. Systematic. It must take place in an organized or orderly manner. Purposes of Research 1. To learn how to work independently 2. To learn how to work scientifically or systematically 3. To have an in-depth knowledge of something 4. To elevate your mental abilities by letting you think in higher-order thinking strategies (HOTS) of inferring evaluating, synthesizing, appreciating, applying, and creating 5. To improve your reading and writing skills 6. To be familiar with the basic tools of research and the various techniques of gathering data and of presenting research findings 7. To free yourself, to a certain extent, from the domination or strong influence of a single textbook or of the professor's lone viewpoint or spoon feeding Types of Research 1. Based on Application of Research Method a. Pure Research - it deals with concepts, principles, or abstract things. This type of research aims to increase your knowledge about something. b. Applied Research - applying your chosen research to societal problems or issues, finding ways to make positive changes in society. 2. Based on Purpose of the Research a. Descriptive Research -This type of research aims at defining or giving a verbal portrayal or picture of a person, thing, event, group, situation etc. This is liable to repeated research because its topic relates itself on], to a certain period or a limited number of years. Based on the result of your descriptive studies about a subject, you develop the inclination conducting further studies on such topic.  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH b. Correlational Research -A correlational research shows relationship or connectedness of two factors, circumstances, or agents called variables that affect the research. It is only concerned in indicating the existent, of a relationship, not the causes and ways of the development of sari relationship. c. Explanatory Research - This type of research elaborates or explain, not just the reasons behind the relationship of two factors, but also the way. By which such relationship exists. d. Exploratory Research - An exploratory research’s purpose is to find out reasonable or possible it is to conduct a research study on a certain topic. Here, you will discover ideas on topics that could trigger your mom in conducting research studies. e. Action Research-This type of research studies ongoing practices in a school, organization, community, or institution for the purpose of obtaining results that will bring improvements in the system. 3. Based on Types of Data Needed a. Qualitative research - requires non-numerical data, which means that the research uses words rather than numbers to express the results, the inquiry or investigation about people’s thoughts, beliefs, feelings, views, at lifestyles regarding the object of the study. These opinionated answers inform people are not measurable. So, verbal language is the right way to explain your findings in a qualitative research. b. Quantitative research- involves measurement of data Thus, it presents research findings referring to the number or frequency of something in numerical forms (i.e., using percentages, numbers). The data you deal with in research are either primary or secondary data. Primary data - are obtained through direct observation or contact with people, objects, artifacts, paintings, etc. Primary data are new and original information resulting from your sensory experience. Secondary data – if such data have already been written about or reported on and are available for reading purposes. Approaches to Research 1. Scientific or positive - in which you discover and measure information as well as observe and control variables in an impersonal manner. -It allows control of variables. Therefore, the data gathering techniques appropriate for this approach are structured interviews, questionnaires, and observational checklists. -Data given by these techniques are expressed through numbers, which means that this method is suitable for quantitative research. 2. Naturalistic approach  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH - the naturalistic approach uses words. This research approach directs you to deal with qualitative data that speak of how people behave toward their surroundings. -These are non-numerical data that express truths about the way people perceive or understand the world. -Since people look at their world in a subjective or personal basis in an uncontrolled or unstructured manner, a naturalistic approach happens in a natural setting. 3. Triangulation approach - combination of the scientific and naturalistic approaches in designing your research. - In this use, you are free to gather and analyze data using multiple methods, allowing you to combine or mix up research approaches, research types, data gathering, and data analysis techniques. -Triangulation approach gives you the opportunity to view every angle of the research from different perspectives. (Badke 2012; Silverman 2013) The Research Process The research process follows a cycle and begins simply. It follows logical, developmental steps: a. Observation and Inquiry A questioning mind observes a particular situation and asks, Why? What caused that? How come? (This is the subjective origin of research.) b. Formulation of the General Problem Statement One question becomes formally stated as a problem. (This is the overt beginning of research.) c. Formulation of the Specific Problem Statements The problem is divided into several simpler, more specific subproblems. d. Preliminary Data Gathering Preliminary data are gathered that appear to bear on the problem. e. Formulation of the Hypothesis The data seem to point to a tentative solution of the problem. A guess is made; a hypothesis or guiding question is formed. f. Systematic Data Collection. g. Data processing and Interpretation The body of data is processed and interpreted. h. Discovery of Concepts and Conclusion Formulation The tentative hypothesis is either supported by the data or is not supported; the question is either answered (partially or completely) or not answered.  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH Ethics of Research There are several reasons why it is important to adhere to ethical norms in research (Resnik, 2015). 1. Norms promote the aims of research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error. Example, prohibitions against fabricating, falsifying, or misrepresenting research data promote the truth and minimize error. 2. Ethical standards promote the values that are essential to collaborative work, such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. Example, many ethical norms in research, such as guidelines for authorship,  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH copyright and patenting policies, data sharing policies, and confidentiality rules in peer review, are designed to protect intellectual property interests while encouraging collaboration. Most researchers want to receive credit for their contributions and do not want to have their ideas stolen or disclosed prematurely. 3. Ethical norms help to ensure that researchers can be held accountable to the public. Example, government policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, the human subjects protections, and animal care and use are necessary in order to make sure that researchers who are funded by public money can be held accountable to the public. 4. Ethical norms in research also help to build public support for research. People are more likely to fund a research project if they can trust the quality and integrity of research. 5. Norms of research promote a variety of other important moral and social values (such as social responsibility, human rights, animal welfare, compliance with the law, and public health and safety) Codes and Policies for Research Ethics Given the importance of ethics for the conduct of research, it should come as no surprise that many different professional associations, government agencies, and universities have adopted specific codes, rules, and policies relating to research ethics. Many government agencies, both national and abroad, have adopted certain ethical policies for funded research. These are the following: 1. Honesty Strive for honesty in all scientific communications. Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data. Do not deceive colleagues, research sponsors, or the public. 2. Objectivity Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of research where objectivity is expected or required. Avoid or minimize bias or self- deception. Disclose personal or financial interests that may affect research. 3. Integrity Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought and action. 4. Carefulness Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own work and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research activities, such as data collection, research design, and correspondence with agencies or journals. 5. Openness Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas. 6. Respect for Intellectual Property Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give proper  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH acknowledgement or credit for all contributions to research. Never plagiarize. 7. Confidentiality Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records. 8. Responsible Publication Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your own career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication. 9. Responsible Mentoring Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare and allow them to make their own decisions. 10. Respect for colleagues Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly. 11. Social Responsibility Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research, public education, and advocacy. 12. Non-Discrimination Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, or other factors not related to scientific competence and integrity. 13. Competence Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong education and learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a whole. 14. Legality Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies. 15. Animal Care Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments. 16. Human Subjects Protection When conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and maximize benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy; take special precautions with vulnerable populations; and strive to distribute the benefits and burdens of research fairly. Qualitative Research vs. Quantitative Research  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH Research can be classified as either qualitative or quantitative. The differences between qualitative and quantitative research have often been exaggerated in the past (Hancock, et al, 2007). The table below summarizes some of the ways in which qualitative and quantitative research do differ: Quantitative research Qualitative research By definition A type of educational research A type of educational research in which the researcher decides in which the researcher relies on what to study. the views of the participants. Characteristics Ask specific narrow Qs. Ask broad, general Qs. Collects data from Collecting data consisting participants. largely of words (text) or image Analyzes numbers using (picture). statistics. Descriptions and analysis of Conducts the inquiry in words for themes. unbiased, objective manner. Conducts inquiry in subjective, biased manner. In identifying Description of trends or an An exploration in which little is problems explanation of variables’ known about the problem. relationships. A detailed understanding of a central phenomenon. Reviewing Major role through suggesting Minor role in suggesting SRQ Literature the RQ to be asked. to be asked. Justifying the R problem and Justify the importance of the need for the direction of the studying the research problem. study. Specifying the Be specific and narrow. Be general and broad. Purpose of the Seek measurable, observable Seek to understand the Research data on variables. participants’ experiences. Collection of Collecting data using Collecting data using forms Data instruments with preset Qs and with general, emerging Qs to Res. permit the participant to generate responses. Collecting info from a large number of individuals. Gathering word(text) or image(picture) data. Collecting info from a small number of individuals or sites. Analysis of Data analysis tends to consist Text analysis. Data of statistical analysis. A description of themes. Describing trends, comparing Stating the larger meaning of group differences, relating findings. variables. Interpretation tends to consist of comparing results with prior predictions and past research. Reporting and Tend to use standard fixed A flexible, emerging structure Evaluating structure and evaluation and evaluative criteria.  pr1 unit 1: nature aND INQUIRY OF RESEARCH Research criteria. Take a subjective and biased approach. Take an objective and unbiased approach. Characteristics of qualitative and quantitative researches Qualitative Quantitative Subjective Objective Research questions answer what and Research questions answer how many why or strength of a relationship or difference Literature review may be done as the Literature review is usually done study progresses before the study Develops theory Tests theory Interpretive Measurable Reports narrative, individual Reports statistical analysis interpretation Basic element of analysis is words/ Basic element of analysis is numbers ideas Researcher is part of the process Researcher is separate Participants Subjects Context dependent Context free Reasoning is dialectic and inductive Reasoning is logistic and deductive Describes meaning and discovery Establishes relationships and causation Source: Anderson, John D. 2006. Qualitative and Quantitative Research. Quantitative Methodologies Qualitative Methodologies Preference for precisely describing Preference for narrative/literary procedure descriptions of procedures Data reduced to numerical scores Preference for narrative descriptions Preference for random sampling for Preference for expert in informant obtaining meaningful samples samples Preference for statistical summary of Preference for narrative summary of results results Willingness to manipulate aspects, Unwillingness to tamper with naturally situations, or conditions in studying occurring phenomena complex phenomena Source: Fraenkel, J. and N. Wallen. 2010. How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education. USA: McGraw-Hill International Edition.