Research Module 1 PDF

Nature of Research A way of examining your practice Undertaken within most professions More than a set of skills, it is a way of thinking: examining critically the various aspects of your professional work. A habit of questioning what you do, and a systematic examination of the...

Nature of Research A way of examining your practice Undertaken within most professions More than a set of skills, it is a way of thinking: examining critically the various aspects of your professional work. A habit of questioning what you do, and a systematic examination of the observed information to find answers. What is Research? Undertaking a research study to find answers to a question implies that the process: Undertaken within a framework of a set of philosophies (approaches); Uses procedures, methods, and techniques that have been tested for their validity and reliability; Designed to be unbiased and objective. What is Research? Philosophies means approaches e.g. qualitative, quantitative and the academic discipline in which you have been trained. Validity means that correct procedures have been applied to find answers to a question. Reliability refers to the quality of a measurement procedure that provides repeatability and accuracy. Unbiased and objective means that you have taken each step in an unbiased manner and drawn each conclusion to the best of your ability and without introducing your own vested interest. What is Research? Adherence to the criteria enables the process to be called 'research'. Degree (of process) varies from discipline to discipline Meaning (of process) differs from one academic discipline to another. the process must meet certain requirements to be called research. Definition of Research composed of two syllables, re and search. (Duehn, 1985) re is a prefix meaning again, anew or over again search is a verb meaning to examine closely and carefully, to test and try, or to probe. Together they form a noun describing a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some field of knowledge, undertaken to establish facts or principles (Grinnell, 2008). Definition of Research  Research is a structured enquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodology to solve problems and create new knowledge that is generally applicable. Scientific methods consist of systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data. The difference between day- to-day generalization and the conclusions of scientific method lies in the degree of formality, rigorousness, verifiability and general validity of latter. Definition of Research A systematic enquiry, which is reported in a form that allows the research methods and outcomes to be accessible to others (Allison, Hilton, O'Sullivan, Owen, Rothwell, 2016) Concerned with seeking solutions to problems or answers to meaningful questions Meaningful questions are expressed in a way that indicates what you will accept as an answer Non-meaningful (in research terms) questions are not answerable as a result of enquiry alone (e.g. judgemental or metaphysical questions) Definition of Research There are many different definitions of research, based on many different philosophies and opinions about the world. Research is about generating knowledge about what you believe the world is. A systematized effort to gain new knowledge. (Redman and Mory, 1933) Importance of Research Research is important both in scientific and nonscientific fields. Research assists us to understand nature and natural phenomena. Research facilitates the identification of critical issues or research problems. Research facilitates the gathering of relevant information. Research facilitates the analysis of data in ways that would help decision-making. Research facilitates the implementation of the right course of action. Characteristics of Research Research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting information to answer questions. to qualify as research, the process must have certain characteristics: Controlled Rigorous Systematic valid and verifiable empirical and critical. Characteristics of Research Controlled in exploring causality in relation to two variables (factors), set up the study in a way that minimizes the effects of other factors affecting the relationship. Rigorous must be scrupulous (meticulous) in ensuring that the procedures followed to find answers to questions are relevant, appropriate and justified. Systematic the procedure adopted to undertake an investigation follow a certain logical sequence. Valid and verifiable whatever you conclude based on your findings is correct and can be verified by you and others Empirical any conclusion drawn are based upon hard evidence gathered from information collected from real life experiences or observations Critical process of investigation must be fool proof and free from drawbacks Types of Research Methodologies Qualitative Research Historical Content Analysis Ethnographic Quantitative Research Experimental Single-Subject Correlational Causal-Comparative Survey Research by Practitioners Action Research Classification Classified from three (3) perspectives 1. Application of the research study (Level or Purpose) 2. Objectives in undertaking the research 3. Inquiry mode employed (type of information sought) Research Classification Types of Research 1. Application Basic Research Applied Research Developmental Research 2. Objectives Descriptive Research Exploratory Research Causal (Explanatory) Research Non-causal (Correlational) Research 3. Inquiry Mode Quantitative Research Qualitative Research Mixed Research Types of Research Application of Research Study Pure research Involves developing and testing theories and hypotheses that are intellectually challenging (arising out of curiosity) but may or may not have practical application at present or in the future. The knowledge produced through pure research is sought in order to add to the existing body of research methods (a research for knowledge' sake). Sometimes called Basic Research or Fundamental Research. In the long term, it is the basis for many commercial products and applied research. Applied research Done to solve specific, practical applications; for policy formulation, administration and understanding of a phenomenon (application of scientific knowledge to the solution of a problem). Can be exploratory but is usually descriptive. Developmental research Considered part of Applied Research A systematic work, drawing on existing knowledge gained from research and/or practical experience that is directed to producing new materials, products or devices, to installing new processes, systems and services and to improving substantially those already produced or installed. Includes Pilot Testing and Technology Promotion/ Commercialization. Types of Research Objectives in undertaking the research Can be classified as: 1. Descriptive research - attempts to describe systematically a situation, problem, phenomenon, service or program, or provides information or describes attitudes towards an issue. (case study, survey, content analysis) 2. Non-Causal (Correlational) research - attempts to discover or establish the existence of a relationship /association/interdependence between two or more aspects of a situation. 3. Causal (Explanatory) research - attempts to clarify why and how there is a relationship between two or more aspects of a situation or phenomenon. 4. Exploratory research- undertaken to explore an area where little is known or to investigate the possibilities of undertaking a particular research study (feasibility study/pilot study). Types of Research Inquiry mode used Three approaches are adopted to find answers: 1. Structured approach - usually classified as quantitative research. Everything that forms the research process (objectives, design, sample, and the questions) is predetermined. - appropriate to determine the extent of a problem, issue or phenomenon by quantifying the variation. E.g. How many people have a particular problem? How many people hold a particular attitude? 2. Unstructured approach - is usually classified as qualitative research. Allows flexibility in all aspects of the research process. - appropriate to explore the nature of a problem, issue or phenomenon without quantifying it. - objective is to describe the variation in a phenomenon, situation or attitude. E.g. description of an observed situation, historical enumerations of events, an account of different opinions, description of working condition in a particular industry. 3. Mixed approach - Some studies combine both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Ex. Suppose you have to find the types of cuisine/accommodation available in a city and the extent of their popularity. Type of cuisine is the qualitative aspect of the study as finding out about them entails description of the culture and cuisine. The extent of their popularity is the quantitative aspect as it involves estimating the number of people who visit restaurant serving such cuisine and calculating the other indicators that reflect the extent of popularity. Types of Research (according to N.J. Salkind) Experimental Research  Examines the direct cause-and-effect relationship between variables. True Experimental Research subjects are assigned to groups based on some criterion, often called the treatment variable or treatment condition. True experimental research designs isolate and control all the factors that could be responsible for any effects except the one of most interest. Quasi-Experimental Research participants are preassigned to groups based on some predetermined characteristic or quality. Group assignments have already taken place before the experiment begins and the researcher has no control over who is assigned to which group. Also called post hoc, or after the fact, research because the actual research takes place after the assignment of groups (e.g. abusive vs. non-abusive, employed vs. unemployed, malnourished vs non- malnoursihed, male vs. female) Thesis vs. Feasibility Study Thesis A thesis widens/broadens human knowledge by going into previously unexplored areas, e.g., by proving or disproving a theory which nobody has proven/disproven before. Or, you might extend present knowledge into new areas, e.g., if nobody had asked the question before, you might seek to prove the speed with which a body fell in a vacuum, rather than in normal air. Feasibility Study A feasibility study is an exercise to find out the extent to which a project can be implemented, e.g., if I built a car park at a given location, what kind of financial returns can I expect? You'd have to forecast demand, supply, competitors, etc. A thesis is a detailed theoretical elaboration of the basic ideas, accompanied by evidence supporting the basic idea as independent entity. The feasibility study is the elaboration of the applicability of the basic idea, Thesis, in practical terms with an assessment of all relevant parameters that give the legitimacy of the practical application of Thesis. A thesis is a theory, and the study (feasibility) is the justification of the practical application of the basic idea. Difficulties Encountered in Research Choosing the right topic Choosing the most appropriate methodology Assembling a research team Finding study participants/source of data Getting institutions to participate  Staying motivated and working a plan Dealing with data Research Process Model of Scientific Inquiry Steps in the research process, wherein each step sets the stage for the next. Asking the Question Identifying the Important Factors Formulating a Hypothesis Collecting Relevant Information Testing the Hypothesis Working with the Hypothesis Reconsidering the Theory Asking New Questions Research Process Model of Scientific Inquiry Steps in the research process - experimental 1. Choose a problem - State the problem as a research question. 2. Research your problem - Read, get advice, and make observations. 3. Develop a hypothesis - Make a prediction about what will happen. 4. Design an experiment - Plan how you will test your hypothesis. 5. Test your hypothesis - Conduct the experiment and record the data. 6. Organize your data - Create a chart or graph of your data. 7. Draw conclusions - Analyze your data and summarize your findings. 8. Evaluation - Discuss your experiment, suggest improvements. Sources of Research Problem Personal experiences and first-hand knowledge can be the catalyst for starting research (Researcher's specialization) Curiosity and creative ideas of the researcher You might look for a research question that reflects the next step in the research process. Recommendations from theses; dissertations and published journals Using ideas from your instructor will probably make you very current with what is happening in your field. Research and development thrusts of R&D institutions You may have produced a research question because of this class. Talk about research ideas with your peers. What is a Research Problem? A research problem is an educational issue or concern that an investigator presents and justifies in a research study. John W. Creswell Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 4th Edition The Research Problem Conducted because of a problem that needs to be addressed, question to be answered, and knowledge gap that should be filled. Common mistake is to state titles then try to identify the components of the title. Title can be reworded even after the conduct of the study, but the problem cannot be change. A change in the problem means a change in the entire study. The Research Problem Although, title becomes a major road sign in research - a tangible idea that the researcher can keep refocusing on and changing as the project goes on. Try completing the sentence: "My study is about..." Example: My study is about at-risk children in the junior high. My study is about helping college faculty become better researchers. Frame the answer to the question so that one might easily grasp the meaning of the project. The Research Problem Wilkinson (1991) provided useful advice for creating a title: Be brief and avoid wasting words Eliminate unnecessary words, such as "An Approach to...", "A Study of...", and so forth. Use a single title or a double title. (example of double title would be "An Ethnography: Understanding a Child's Perception of War") Consider a title no longer than 12 words Eliminate most articles and prepositions Make sure that it includes the focus or topic of the study. S.M.A.R.T. Five characteristics to consider as bases in stating problems or objectives S - SPECIFIC M - MEASURABLE A - ATTAINABLE R - RELEVANT T - TIME-BOUND Criteria for Choosing a Topic Importance and urgency Interesting Researchability Relevance and moral implication Budgetary and time requirements Novelty Topic Selection Considerations Personal interest Organizational support Ethical issues Relevance of the study Contribution to the field Time constraints Breath/scope Economic factors Research Topic Think of the who, what, when, where and why questions: WHY did you choose the topic? What interests you about it? Do you have an opinion about the issues involved? WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who might publish information about it? Who is affected by the topic? Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic? WHAT are the major questions for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to consider? WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level? Are there specific places affected by the topic? WHEN is/was your topic important? Is it a current event or an historical issue? Do you want to compare your topic by time periods? Problem and Solution formulation