Types of Research PDF
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Khadeeja Ansari
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This document provides an overview of different types of research and their components. It discusses research questions, hypotheses, aims, objectives, and the importance of literature reviews. The information targets students undertaking research projects and focuses on developing research methodology and strategies.
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Types of Research Khadeeja Ansari College of Design, IAU What is Research? Meaning Research is a process to discover new knowledge to find answers to a question. The word research has two parts re (again) and search (find) which d...
Types of Research Khadeeja Ansari College of Design, IAU What is Research? Meaning Research is a process to discover new knowledge to find answers to a question. The word research has two parts re (again) and search (find) which denote that we are taking up an activity to look into an aspect once again or we want to look for some new information about something. What is Research? Oxford dictionary defines research as "the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions." "Research is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase our understanding of a topic or issue." It consists of three steps: Pose a question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to the question. "Research is a systematic investigation to establish the facts.”- (John W. Creswell) Research is manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art.- (Kothari, C.R.) Components of Research Research Question Hypothesis Aim Objectives or Statement Research Data Collection and Discussion and Literature Review Methodology Analysis Result References and Conclusion Bibliography Components of Research A research question is one that you want to answer through Research Question/ research, and it helps to clarify the purpose and scope of the Statement research project. A good research question is usually clear, specific, and focused on a particular aspect of a broader topic. It should be based on existing knowledge and should be answerable through empirical evidence, observation, or analysis. A well-formulated research question helps researchers to design a study that is relevant, feasible, and valuable, and it also helps to ensure that the study stays on track and remains focused on the main objective. For example, let's consider a student of art who is interested in studying the impact of color on emotional response in painting. What is the relationship between color and emotional response in painting? How can artists effectively use color to convey specific emotional responses to viewers? Tips on writing the research question Components of Research A research hypothesis is a statement that proposes a Hypothesis possible explanation or prediction for a phenomenon that is being studied. It is an educated guess about what the researcher thinks they will find in their research, based on their understanding of the topic and existing literature. Hypothesis: "The use of warm colors (such as red, orange, and yellow) stimulate different emotional responses than cool colors (such as blue and green)." Components of Research Aim The aim of research provides direction for the study and guides the development of research questions, hypotheses, and methods. It is often referred to as the purpose of the study, as it outlines the main objective of the research project. Example: This research aims to examine the relationship between color and emotional response in painting, to identify effective strategies for using color to elicit specific emotional responses in viewers. Components of Research The purpose of this study is to describe and compare the attitude and performance of female graduate students regarding required research courses at IAU. Keywords and Phrases (Variables) Verb (Action) Attitude Describe and Compare Performance Female graduate students required research courses Components of Research Objectives Research objectives are specific and measurable goals that a researcher aims to achieve through their study. They are more specific than the aim of the research and provide a clear focus for the research questions, hypotheses, and methods. Components of Research Example: To identify the emotional responses elicited by warm and cool colors in painting. To compare the emotional responses elicited by paintings that use warm and cool colors. To determine the most effective color combinations for conveying specific emotional responses in painting. In this example, each objective focuses on a specific aspect of the research aim. The first is to identify emotional responses to warm and cool colors, involves gathering data on how viewers respond emotionally to different color schemes. The second is to compare these responses between warm and cool color schemes, involves analyzing the differences and similarities in emotional response. The third is to determine the most effective color combinations for conveying specific emotional responses, involves using the data collected in objectives 1 and 2 to identify the most effective color strategies for eliciting specific emotions. Components of Research SPECIFIC MEASURABLE ACHIEVABLE The objective should be clear and The objective should be quantifiable The objective should be realistic and well-defined, with a specific outcome so that progress can be tracked and attainable, given the available in mind. This means that the evaluated. This means that there resources and constraints. This objective should answer the should be a clear way to measure means that it should be within the questions of who, what, when, whether the objective has been person's abilities to achieve. where, and why. achieved. T R A SM S RELEVANT M TIME-BOUND A The objective should be relevant to The objective should have a clear the person's overall goals and align R timeframe for completion. This with their values and priorities. This means that there should be a means that it should be directly deadline for achieving the objective, related to what they want to achieve T which helps to prioritize and focus and why. the person's efforts. Objectives Components of Research Components of Research Aim Objectives A broad statement of the purpose of Specific, measurable, and achievable goals Definition the research that support the aim. Focuses on the overall goal of the Focuses on specific outcomes that help achieve Focus study. the aim. Scope Broader in scope Narrower in scope Usually the same throughout the Timeframe Can change throughout the research research 1. To examine the frequency and duration of social media use among young adults. 2. To To investigate the impact of social identify the relationship between social media Example media on mental health. use and depression. 3. To explore the perceptions of young adults on social media and its impact on their mental health. Relationship between Aim and Objectives Components of Research A literature review is a critical evaluation and analysis of Literature Review existing literature on a specific research topic or question. It involves identifying, analyzing, and synthesizing relevant literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of knowledge in a particular field of study. Example: Suppose a researcher is interested in investigating the effects of mindfulness meditation on reducing symptoms of anxiety. To conduct a literature review on this topic, the researcher would search and review a variety of published articles, books, and other sources that are relevant to the research question. Components of Research IDENTIFYING 1 RELEVANT EVALUATING THE LITERATURE LITERATURE 2 The researcher would begin by identifying relevant literature on the The researcher would then evaluate the topic of mindfulness meditation and literature to determine its relevance and anxiety. This could involve searching quality. This could involve assessing the databases such as PubMed or Scopus, study design, methodology, and sample or reviewing the reference lists of size of each article, as well as the validity relevant articles. and reliability of the measures used. 3 SYNTHESIZING THE IDENTIFYING 4 LITERATURE GAPS IN THE LITERATURE The researcher would synthesize the findings from the relevant literature to Finally, the researcher would identify gaps in provide a comprehensive understanding of the literature and potential areas for future the current state of knowledge on the effects research. of mindfulness meditation on anxiety. Types of Research Types of Research Based on Based on Based on Inquiry Application Objectives Mode Basic / Applied Descriptive Correlational Exploratory Fundamental Explanatory Quantitative Qualitative Research Research Research Research Research Types of Research Basic research also known as Pure Research/ Fundamental Research Basic Research focuses on generating knowledge, regardless of its practical application. Here, data collection is used to generate new general concepts for a better understanding of a particular field or to answer a theoretical research question. Results of this kind are usually oriented towards the formulation of theories and are usually based on documentary analysis and the development of mathematical formulas. A researcher conducts the study without a specific purpose in the mind, the main aim just to increase or to improve the knowledge. The researcher/s would test or purify or propose the theory Example: Newton’s theory of Gravity. Types of Research Basic research also known as Pure Research/ Fundamental Research Newton theorized the same force that caused an apple to fall from a tree was also the force that kept the moon in place. Over several years, Newton worked until he had developed the law of universal gravitation. Types of Research Applied Research Applied research aims to find strategies that can be used to address a specific problem. Applied research draws on theory to generate practical scientific knowledge, and its use is very common in fields such as computer science, engineering, and medicines. Results of this kind are usually oriented towards application in functional areas. For instance, applied research may include a study on ways to increase student involvement in the classroom. This research focuses on a defined problem and is solution-based. Types of Research Applied Research Applied research is designed to identify solutions to specific problems or find answers to specific questions. The research is meant to offer knowledge that is applicable and implementable. The research conducting a study to find the solution for an immediate problem. Example: Research on COVID-19 Vaccine Types of Research Descriptive Research Descriptive research is a type of research that is concerned with describing the characteristics or behaviors of a particular group or phenomenon. It aims to provide a detailed and accurate picture of the subject of study. Types of Research Descriptive Research Example: a study that describes the current trends and preferences in art among college students. Research question: "What are the current trends and preferences in art among college students?" Sampling: Students who are interested in art, and who are willing to participate in the study. Data collection: Surveys, interviews, or observations. Data analysis: Analyze to identify patterns and trends. Reporting: reporting the results of the study, including the trends and preferences identified, and any other noteworthy findings. Types of Research Correlational Research Correlational research examines the relationship between two or more variables, researchers use statistical analysis to determine if there is a relationship between the variables and how strong that relationship is. Types of Research Correlational Research For example: Examine the relationship between the amount of time students spend practicing art and their overall grades in art classes. Data collected on both of these variables and use statistical analysis to determine if there is a relationship between the two. If there is a positive correlation between the amount of time students spend practicing art and their grades, this would suggest that practicing more is associated with higher grades. If there is no significant correlation, it would suggest that there is no relationship between the two variables. Correlational research can provide valuable information about the relationship between variables, but it cannot establish causation. In other words, just because two variables are correlated does not mean that one causes the other. Types of Research Explanatory Research Explanatory research is a type of research that seeks to explain why things happen, rather than just describe or measure them. In this type of research, the focus is on identifying the causes of a phenomenon and understanding the mechanisms behind it. Explanatory Research focuses on understanding the cause-and-effect relationships and explaining why certain outcomes occur. Types of Research Explanatory Research Example: Why do some university students consistently achieve better time management skills than others? The research could investigate factors such as students' participation in extracurricular activities, their use of productivity tools (like calendars and task managers), their sleep patterns, and their study habits. Data analysis: students who use digital task management apps are better at prioritizing and completing their assignments on time. Alternatively, students with consistent sleep schedules tend to have higher levels of focus and productivity. This example demonstrates how explanatory research can be applied to understand time management success among students. Types of Research Exploratory Research Exploratory research is conducted to find a solution for a problem that has not been studied more clearly, intended to establish priorities, develop operational definitions and improve the final research design. Exploratory research is a type of research conducted for a problem or issue that is not well-defined or understood. It is often used to generate ideas, gather preliminary information, and provide insights into a topic. For such a research, a researcher starts with a general idea and uses this research as a medium to identify issues that can be the hub for future research. Types of Research Exploratory Research Example: The study aims to understand the specific training needs, preferences, and challenges of professionals in project management. Data Analysis: Students' preference for asynchronous learning, the impact of digital distractions, or the role of social media in peer support for studying. These insights could later inform more focused studies or the development of new teaching strategies for online learning. In this case, the research is exploratory because it aims to gather broad insights and identify potential areas for further investigation, rather than explaining specific causes or testing predefined relationships. Types of Research Quantitative Research Quantitative research is a systematic investigation of phenomena by gathering numerical data and performing statistical, mathematical, or computational techniques. Quantitative research collects information from existing and potential population using sampling methods and sending out online surveys, online polls, and questionnaires. The results achieved from this research method are logical, statistical, and unbiased. Quantitative research is only valuable and useful when it is valid, accurate, and reliable. Incorrect results can lead to wrong interpretation Example: A researcher is collecting data from students to evaluate the course. Types of Research Quantitative Research The researchers can also assess the questions that are not numerically oriented, by converting the responses into numerals. Example: Measuring the attitudes of adolescent girls towards the practice of early marriage by using the survey method. Types of Research Qualitative Research Qualitative research is a method that collects data using conversational methods, usually open-ended questions. The responses collected are essentially non-numerical. This method helps a researcher understand what participants think and why they think in a particular way. It is mainly used in the social sciences to study Human behavior in-depth and to identify the reason behind that behavior. Example: Attitude of the people towards the Covid-19 vaccine. Types of Research Qualitative Research Qualitative research focuses on collecting and analyzing words (written or spoken) and textual data, it can also focus on other “softer ” data points, such as body language or visual elements. The researcher’s aims, and objectives are exploratory in nature to collect, compare, and interpret information. Example: Understanding people's perceptions about an event (Sports). Types of Research VENUS Venus is the second planet from the Sun and has a beautiful name despite being a very hot planet Types of Research Qualitative Research Quantitative Research Aims to understand and describe Aims to measure and quantify phenomena in-depth phenomena Data is typically collected through Data is typically collected through observations, interviews, and focus surveys, experiments, and statistical groups VS analyses Sample sizes are generally smaller and Sample sizes are generally larger and more diverse more homogenous Findings are often subjective and based Findings are often objective and based on the researcher's interpretation on statistical analysis Provides a rich understanding of the Provides generalizable findings, but may research subject, but may lack lack depth and context generalizability Types of Research Mixed Research Mixed research includes both qualitative and quantitative data (a purposeful mixing) to integrate perspectives and create a rich picture. It is often used in the behavioral, health, and social sciences, especially in multidisciplinary settings and complex situational or societal research. Example: How do student perceptions of their school environment (qualitative) relate to differences in test scores (quantitative)? Mixed research can be used when the research process suggests that quantitative or qualitative data alone will not sufficiently answer the research question. Any question?