Ast15 Astronomical Research I (Qualitative) PDF

AST15 - Astronomical Research I (Qualitative) The Different Types of Researches CLASSIFICATIONS 1. According to Purpose: Theoretical Research Theoretical research, also referred to as pure or basic research, focuses on generating knowledge, regardless of its practical app...

AST15 - Astronomical Research I (Qualitative) The Different Types of Researches CLASSIFICATIONS 1. According to Purpose: Theoretical Research Theoretical research, also referred to as pure or 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, the development of mathematical formulas and the reflection of high-level researchers. Applied Research Here, the goal is to find strategies that can be used to address a specific research problem. Applied research draws on theory to generate practical scientific knowledge, and its use is very common in STEM fields such as engineering, computer science and medicine. Two types of Applied Research: ○ Technological applied research: looks towards improving efficiency in a particular productive sector through the improvement of processes or machinery related to said productive processes. ○ Scientific applied research: has predictive purposes. Through this type of research design, we can measure certain variables to predict behaviors useful to the goods and services sector, such as consumption patterns and viability of commercial projects. 2. According to Depth of Scope: Exploratory Research Exploratory research is used for the preliminary investigation of a subject that is not yet well understood or sufficiently researched. It serves to establish a frame of reference and a hypothesis from which an in-depth study can be developed that will enable conclusive results to be generated. Because exploratory research is based on the study of little-studied phenomena, it relies less on theory and more on the collection of data to identify patterns that explain these phenomena.  Descriptive Research The primary objective of descriptive research is to define the characteristics of a particular phenomenon without necessarily investigating the causes that produce it. In this type of research, the researcher must take particular care not to intervene in the observed object or phenomenon, as its behavior may change if an external factor is involved. Explanatory Research Explanatory research is the most common type of research method and is responsible for establishing cause-and-effect relationships that allow generalizations to be extended to similar realities. It is closely related to descriptive research, although it provides additional information about the observed object and its interactions with the environment. Correlational Research The purpose of this type of scientific research is to identify the relationship between two or more variables. A correlational study aims to determine whether a variable changes, how much the other elements of the observed system change. 3. According to the type of Data Used: Quantitative Research Quantitative research study delves into phenomena through quantitative data collection and using mathematical, statistical and computer-aided tools to measure them. This allows generalized conclusions to be projected over time. Qualitative Research Qualitative methods are often used in the social sciences to collect, compare and interpret information, has a linguistic-semiotic basis and is used in techniques such as discourse analysis, interviews, surveys, records and participant observations. In order to use statistical methods to validate their results, the observations collected must be evaluated numerically. Qualitative research, however, tends to be subjective, since not all data can be fully controlled. Therefore, this type of research design is better suited to extracting meaning from an event or phenomenon (the ‘why’) than its cause (the ‘how’). Qualitative Research - Written through/ no numbers - Interview = Individual - Focus Group = one to a community - Quali data - Non-numerical data - Bottom-up approach - Epistemologically relativism (happening) - Behavior - Natural settings TYPES OF QUALI RESEARCH: 1. Phenomenological Research To understand the essence of a lived experience. Focuses on the shared experiences of individuals who have lived through a certain phenomenon. Participants describe their personal experiences. The researcher looks for themes and patterns to understand the core essence of the phenomenon. Typically involves in-depth interviews and sometimes observation. 2. Ethnographic To explore and describe the culture of a group of people. Seeks to understand shared attitudes, values, norms, practices, and patterns of interaction within a specific cultural group. The researcher immerses themselves in the cultural setting for an extended period. Methods include participant observation, interviews, and collecting artifacts. Detailed field notes are often kept to record observations and insights. 3. Narrative To explore the storied nature of human experiences. Focuses on the stories individuals tell about their lives and experiences. Uses storytelling to gain insights into how individuals make sense of their experiences. Data collection methods include interviews, autobiographies, diaries, and letters. The researcher analyzes the structure, content, and context of the narratives to uncover meaning. 4. Case Study To provide an in-depth understanding of a specific case or cases. Can focus on individuals, groups, organizations, events, or programs. Involves a detailed and contextual analysis of a limited number of cases. Data is collected through various methods such as interviews, observations, and document analysis. 5. Grounded Theory To generate and develop a theory grounded in the data collected from participants. Focuses on building theories based on observed patterns and relationships. Data collection and analysis occur simultaneously through a process called constant comparative analysis. Involves coding data to identify themes, concepts, and categories. The emerging theory is iteratively tested and refined with additional data collection. 6. Historical To examine and interpret past events to understand the present and inform the future. Focuses on the analysis of historical documents and records. Involves the collection and analysis of primary and secondary sources such as letters, official records, and archives. The researcher interprets historical data to construct a narrative or argument about past events. Aims to provide a contextual understanding of historical phenomena and their impact over time. ETHICS - principles and guidelines 3 Principles of Ethics: 1. Principle of Respect - INFORMED CONSENT FORM (18 years old and above) - ASSENT FORM for minors to be given to their parents/guardians - Confidentially 2. Principle of Beneficence - avoid probable and unnecessary harm and promote the well-being of research participants 3. Principle of Justice - distribute of merits and constraints of research equitably Things to Consider for Data Gathering 1. Benefit-Risk 2. Permission/Access to Data Should Be Obtained 3. Inclusion/Exclusion of Criteria 4. Consent From Participants Should Be Obtained 5. The Choice of Participants to Withdraw 6. Potential Vulnerabilities and its Implications 7. What measures have been taken to ensure anonymity, confidentiality, and security of personal information?  8. Who will have access to data? 9. How long will data recordings be held? 10. How will the data be stored? Research Template: APA 7th Edition Level Heading: Research Abstract - a concise summary of a research paper or entire thesis. It is an original work, not an excerpted passage. An abstract must be fully self-contained and make sense by itself, without further reference to outside sources or to the actual paper. - It must contain research methods, research objectives, and the conclusion Aide Memoire - a document or a written note used to help someone remember important information or details. It serves as a memory aid, often summarizing key points, facts, or instructions that need to be recalled later. In research contexts, an aide-mémoire is used to outline the main issues to be discussed during the interview, ensuring all parties have a clear understanding of the matters at hand. Basics in Interviewing BEFORE 1. Greetings 2. Convo into an interview process 3. Ask if the participant if ready 4. Permission to record (video/audio INTERVIEW PROPER 1. Introduction of Members 2. Give a brief presentation about the rationale 3. Informed Consent 4. Proceed with the interview proper 5. Do not live the interview 6. Don’t get frantic 7. You may provide tea/snacks during the interview, but not required. Bottled water is required. 8. If online, all cameras should be open DURING 1. Only one interviewer 2. Do not interrupt the participant 3. Remember to get the emotions, feelings, thoughts, and wisdom; record gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice. 4. Respect the ‘off the record’ policy. Do not forget to record once relieved! AFTER 1. Recall and review the themes/answers 2. Show your deepest gratitude to the participant 3. Respectfully say goodbye/leave 4. Don’t f the pack up