Research Methods and Design Lec 1 - Basis to Ethics

RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN (DGC 7123 ) (2 UNITS)  RESEARCH Research is a systematic process of gathering information, interpreting information and analyzing information to resolve a specific problem. As the word suggest, it is a process of “searching again” for inform...

RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN (DGC 7123 ) (2 UNITS)  RESEARCH Research is a systematic process of gathering information, interpreting information and analyzing information to resolve a specific problem. As the word suggest, it is a process of “searching again” for information that is already available in our world, but no one has made sense about it yet. Thus, this makes that process of research as a way to discover relatively ”new” things.  MODES OF HUMAN INQUIRY 1. Authoritarian Mode – man seeks knowledge by referring to persons whom he considers as qualified sources or producers of knowledge. (i.e. elders, chieftains of tribes) 2. Mystical Mode – a person gets knowledge from prohets, divines, gods and etc 3. Rationalistic Mode – knowledge is based on rationalism as a school of thought. In this mode, the knowledge-seeker uses his reasoning power and does not just accept or depend on another source. Knowledge is acquired by adherence to rules of logic and through a process that is acceptable to reason.  IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH Knowledge Production – to discover Finding Answers – sometimes research can yield more questions than answers as it opens our eyes to a large whole. Human Convenience – i.e. snail mail vs email Research Precedes Progress – i.e. stem cell technology Make the World Better  CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH 1. Empirical 2. Logical 3. Cyclical 4. Analytical 5. Critical 6. Methodical 7. Replicable  INDUCTIVE AND DEDUCTIVE NATURE OF RESEARCH Inductive – lies in the making of conclusions or generalizations based from the collected data; bottom up approach Deductive – researcher conceptualizes his research activity, he uses existing theories and concepts in formulating theoretical framework for his research; top-down approach  FORMS OF RESEARCH Qualitative Quantitative Narratives and stories of the research Use of Numerical Data participants Often done in Social Sciences Often done in Physical and Natural Sciences The use of triangulation for reliability of The use of statistical treatment data It aims to develop generalization It aims to develop a casual relationship between and among the variables.  TRIANGULATION Triangulation in research means using multiple datasets, methods, theories, and/or investigators to address a research question. It’s a research strategy that can help you enhance the validity and credibility of your findings and mitigate the presence of any research biases in your work.  TYPES OF TRIANGULATION 1. Data triangulation: Using data from different times, spaces, and people 2. Investigator triangulation: Involving multiple researchers in collecting or analyzing data 3. Theory triangulation: Using varying theoretical perspectives in your research 4. Methodological triangulation: Using different methodologies to approach the same topic THE RESEARCH PROCESS Focus facts Find facts Filter facts Finalize facts RESEARCH ETHICS  WHAT IS ETHICS Is essentially a branch of philosophy that deals with the rightness or wrongness of an act. Greek word “ethos” – customs “ how things should be done”  RESEARCH ETHICS AND GENERAL PRINCIPLES Research Ethics 1. govern the standards of conduct for scientific researchers 2. provides guidelines for the responsible conduct of research 3. designed to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants 4. educates and monitors scientists conducting research to ensure a high ethical standard  GENERAL ETHICAL PRINCIPLES 1.Honesty – no misrepresentation in terms of: - data, results, methods and procedures; no fabrication or falsification 2.Integrity – acting with sincerity, striving for consistency of idea and action, fulfilling agreements 3.Objectivity – no bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation and other aspects of research 4.Carefulness – carefully and critically examining own work, keeping good records of research activities and avoiding irresponsible errors and negligence 5.Openness – being open to criticism and new ideas 6.Social Responsibility – promoting social good and preventing social harms 7. Respect for Intellectual Property – respecting patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property; citing sources of information; using unpublished data, methods, or results with permission 8. Confidentiality – protecting confidential communications, personal records and patient records 9. Non-Discrimination – avoiding prejudice against others in terms of sex, socio-economic status, educational attainment, race or ethnicity 10. Competence – improving own professional competence and expertise in research 11. Legality – knowing and obeying relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies 12. Animal Care – respecting and caring for animals when using them in research, working with animal experts and conducting properly designed animal experiments. 13. Human Subjects Protection – minimizing harms and risks and maximizing benefits; respecting human dignity, privacy, and autonomy  CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCHER 1. Intellectual Curiosity 2. Prudence 3. Intellectual honesty  3 COMPONENTS OF ETHICS IN RESEARCH 1. Truthfulness 2. Courtesy 3. Respect for Human Rights  GENERAL RULES OF RESEARCH 1. Proper Research Structure – follows a pattern 2. Proper Research Content - original content 3. Ethics for Respondents - 4. Credibility, Reliability and Honesty – researcher trait  ETHICS IN HUMAN RESEARCH Research ethics govern the standards of conduct for scientific researchers to protect the dignity, rights and welfare of research participants. As such, all research involving human beings should be reviewed by an ethics committee to ensure that the appropriate ethical standards are being upheld. Discussion of the ethical principles of beneficence, justice and autonomy are central to ethical review.  TYPES OF HARM IN HUMAN RESEARCH psychological harm physical harm legal harm social harm economic harm WAYS OF MINIMIZING HARM IN HUMAN RESEARCH Obtaining informed consent from participants. Protecting the anonymity and confidentiality of participants. Avoiding deceptive practices when designing your research. Providing participants with the right to withdraw from your research at any time.