Research Methods & Ethics in Science PDF

10/06/2024 Research Methods & Ethics in Science DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY ENGINEERING LECTURER: Kenneth Asamoah Bo...

10/06/2024 Research Methods & Ethics in Science DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY ENGINEERING LECTURER: Kenneth Asamoah Boateng, PhD 1 1 Objectives This course will equip students with skills in conducting scientific research with regard to data collection, analysis, interpretation and report writing. 2 1  10/06/2024 Mode of Delivery Lectures (face-to-face and online using Virtual Learning Environment), tutorials, seminar, group work and assignment. Reading Material Bailey, C. A. (2017), A Guide to Qualitative Field Research, Sage Publications, California, United States, 3rd Edition, 280 pp. D’angelo, J. (2018), Ethics in Science: Ethical Misconduct in Scientific Research, CRC Press, Florida, United States, 160 pp. Mike, W. M. (2008), Creativity: Ethics and Excellence in Science, Lexington Books, Washington DC, United States, 149 pp. Teti, D. M. (2004), Handbook of Research Methods in Developmental Science, Wiley-Blackwell, New Jersey, United States, 1st Edition, 584 pp. 3 Assessment Student assessment will be based on 1. Continuous assessment 30% (Quizzes, assignments, experimental work, etc.) 2. Attendance 10 % 3. EXAMS 60% 4 2  10/06/2024 Contact Information Mobile Number Email Addresses +233267170846 [email protected] WhatsApp +233267170846 5 5 Course Content Research Methods & Ethics in Science Definition and concepts of research. Research process. Research design. Literature review. Sampling. Reliability and validity of data. Qualitative and quantitative research methods. Research reporting. Definition of ethics. Definition of science. 6 6 3  10/06/2024 Course Content Research Methods & Ethics in Science Definition of ethics in science. What is a profession? How ethics and values intersect with professionalism. Ethical theory and applications. Standards of ethical conduct in science. Common ethical principles in science. Fraud in science. Whistle blowing. Conflict of interest. Case studies. 7 7 RESEARCH METHODS AND ETHICS IN SCIENCE 8 8 4  10/06/2024 Unit 1 – Definition and Concepts of Research 9 Definitions Definition of Research A search for knowledge A scientific and systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic An art of scientific investigation 10 5  10/06/2024 Definitions Definition of Research “A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge.” - Advanced Learner’s Dictionary of Current English 11 Definitions Definition of Research “A systemized effort to gain new knowledge”. - Redman and Mory 12 6  10/06/2024 Definitions Research Defined as an Academic Activity It comprises defining and redefining problems; formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions; collecting, organising and evaluating data; making deductions and reaching conclusions; and at last carefully testing the conclusions to determine whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. - Clifford Woody 13 Definitions Definition of Research “The manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the purpose of generalising to extend, correct or verify knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in construction of theory or in the practice of an art.” - D. Slesinger and M. Stephenson (Encyclopedia of Social Sciences) 14 7  10/06/2024 Definitions The term Research refers to: The systematic method consisting of enunciating the problem, Formulating a hypothesis, Collecting the facts or data, Analysing the facts and reaching certain conclusions either in the form of solution(s) towards the concerned problem or in certain generalisations for some theoretical formulation 15 Objectives of Research The purpose of research is to discover answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures. 16 8  10/06/2024 Objectives of Research Each research study has its own purpose. Examples of broad groupings: 1. Exploratory or formulative research studies To gain familiarity with a phenomenon or to achieve new insights into it 17 Objectives of Research 2. Descriptive research studies To portray accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation or a group 18 9  10/06/2024 Objectives of Research 3. Diagnostic research studies To determine the frequency with which something occurs or with which it is associated with something else 19 Objectives of Research 4. Hypothesis-testing research studies To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables 20 10  10/06/2024 Motivation in Research What makes people undertake research ? 1. Desire to get a research degree along with its consequential benefits; 2. Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved problems, i.e., concern over practical problems initiates research; 3. Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative work; 4. Desire to be of service to society; 21 Motivation in Research Other motivational factors: 6. Desire to get respected; 7. Directives of government; 8. Employment conditions; 9. Curiosity about new things; 10.Desire to understand causal relationships, social thinking and awakening. 22 11  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Descriptive vs. Analytical: Descriptive research includes surveys and fact-finding enquiries of different kinds The purpose of a descriptive research is to describe the state of affairs as it exists at present. 23 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Descriptive vs. Analytical: Ex post facto research – The term used for descriptive research studies in social science and business research the researcher has no control over the variables; he can only report what has happened or what is happening 24 12  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Descriptive vs. Analytical: Ex post facto research – Examples: frequency of shopping, preferences of people, or similar data. 25 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Descriptive vs. Analytical: Analytical research – the researcher has to use facts or information already available to make analysis for a critical evaluation of the material. 26 13  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Applied vs. Fundamental: Applied research – aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem facing a society or a industrial/business organisation The central aim is to discover a solution for some pressing practical problem 27 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Applied vs. Fundamental: Applied research – Examples: Research aimed at certain conclusions (say, a solution) facing a concrete social or business problem is an example of applied research. Research to identify social, economic or political trends that may affect a particular institution 28 14  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Applied vs. Fundamental: Applied research – Examples: the copy research (research to find out whether certain communications will be read and understood) the marketing research or evaluation research 29 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Applied vs. Fundamental: Fundamental research – concerned with generalisations and with the formulation of a theory. 30 15  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Applied vs. Fundamental: Fundamental research – Examples: Research concerning some natural phenomenon or relating to pure mathematics Research studies concerning human behaviour carried on with a view to make generalisations about human behaviour 31 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Quantitative research – This is based on the measurement of quantity or amount. It is applicable to phenomena that can be expressed in terms of quantity. 32 16  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Qualitative research – concerned with qualitative phenomenon, i.e., phenomena relating to or involving quality or kind. It is aimed at discovering the underlying motives and desires, using in depth interviews for the purpose 33 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Qualitative research – Examples: investigating the reasons for human behaviour (i.e., why people think or do certain things) This is also called ‘Motivation Research’, an important type of qualitative research. 34 17  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Conceptual vs. Empirical: Conceptual research – related to some abstract idea(s) or theory Generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones 35 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Conceptual vs. Empirical: Empirical research – related to some abstract idea(s) or theory It relies on experience or observation alone without due regard for system and theory 36 18  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Conceptual vs. Empirical: Empirical research – It is data-based research, coming up with conclusions which are capable of being verified by observation or experiment. 37 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Conceptual vs. Empirical: Empirical research – researcher must first provide himself with a working hypothesis or guess as to the probable results. Works to get enough facts (data) to prove or disprove his hypothesis. Sets up experimental designs which will manipulate the persons or the materials concerned so as to bring forth the desired information. 38 19  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Other Types of Research: One-time research – the research is confined to a single time-period Longitudinal research – the research is carried on over several time-periods. 39 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Other Types of Research: Field-setting research Laboratory research Simulation research All three above depend on the environment 40 20  10/06/2024 Types of Research Basic types of Research: Other Types of Research: Historical research – utilizes historical sources like documents, remains, etc. to study events or ideas of the past, including the philosophy of persons and groups at any remote point of time 41 Research Approaches There are two basic approaches to research: 1. Quantitative approach a. Inferential approach b. Experimental approach c. Simulation approach 2. Qualitative approach 42 21  10/06/2024 Research Approaches Quantitative approach – involves the generation of data in quantitative form which can be subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis in a formal and rigid fashion. Inferential approach - to form a data base from which to infer characteristics or relationships of population 43 Research Approaches Experimental approach is characterised by much greater control over the research environment and in this case some variables are manipulated to observe their effect on other variables Simulation approach involves the construction of an artificial environment within which relevant information and data can be generated. 44 22  10/06/2024 Research Approaches What is Simulation ? The term ‘simulation’ refers to “the operation of a numerical model that represents the structure of a dynamic process It can be used in building models for understanding future conditions. 45 Research Approaches Qualitative approach to research – concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and behaviour. Uses focus group interviews, projective techniques and depth interviews 46 23  10/06/2024 Significance of Research “All progress is born of inquiry. Doubt is often better than overconfidence, for it leads to inquiry, and inquiry leads to invention” - Hudson Maxim 47 Significance of Research Research inculcates scientific and inductive thinking and it promotes the development of logical habits of thinking and organisation. Research provides the basis for nearly all government policies in our economic system. 48 24  10/06/2024 Significance of Research Research has its special significance in solving various operational and planning problems of business and industry. Market research is the investigation of the structure and development of a market for the purpose of formulating efficient policies for purchasing, production and sales. 49 Significance of Research Operations research refers to the application of mathematical, logical and analytical techniques to the solution of business problems of cost minimisation or of profit maximisation or what can be termed as optimisation problems 50 25  10/06/2024 Significance of Research Research is equally important for social scientists in studying social relationships and in seeking answers to various social problems 51 Significance of Research Further significance of research a) To those students who are to write a master’s or Ph.D. thesis, research may mean a careerism or a way to attain a high position in the social structure; b) To professionals in research methodology, research may mean a source of livelihood; 52 26  10/06/2024 Significance of Research c) To philosophers and thinkers, research may mean the outlet for new ideas and insights; d) To literary men and women, research may mean the development of new styles and creative work; e) To analysts and intellectuals, research may mean the generalisations of new theories. 53 Unit 1 – Definition and Concepts of Research 54 27