PR

• Research


  A systematic investigation that requires data to be collected, analyzed, and interpreted of any social or natural phenomena where results and conclusions are aimed at contributing to generalizable knowledge
• Research


  • Must follow the scientific method – a standardized set of techniques for building scientific knowledge
• Inductive reasoning


  Aims to infer theoretical concepts and patterns from observed data; also known as Theory Building research
• Deductive reasoning


  Aims to test concepts and patterns known from theory using new empirical data; also known as Theory Testing research
• Qualitative research


  Often referred to as inductive research; aims to understand or make sense of the world based on the experiences and perceptions of individuals
• Quantitative research


  Often referred to as deductive research; aims to understand the world by generalizability using controlled, value-neutral processes
• Basic research


  Also known as theoretical research; aims to test existing or generate new theories to advance knowledge or understanding; often identified when the research discovers new phenomena or new ideas of general interest
• Applied research


  Aims to use the acquired knowledge in order to contribute directly to the understanding or resolution of practical issues; often identified when the research contributes to the solution of specific practical problems
• Empirical knowledge


  Information gathered through experience and direct data collection
• Nonempirical knowledge


  Roots from introspection, vicarious experiences, and people's analysis of events
• Scientific knowledge


  A generalized body of laws and theories that explains a phenomenon acquired using the scientific method; can be imperfect or far from the truth since it is based on the various theories currently accepted at the time
• Exploratory research


  Often conducted in new areas of inquiry where it intends to scope out the magnitude of a particular phenomenon, problem, or behavior, to generate new ideas, and also to test the feasibility of undertaking an extensive study regarding the phenomenon; seeks to investigate and under-researched aspect of life
• Explanatory research


  Provides explanations of an observed phenomenon by answering the 'why' and 'how' questions; attempts to correct the dots by identifying causal factors and outcomes of the phenomenon; and often seeks to explain an aspect of social life
• Descriptive research


  Used to describe an aspect of life richly; related to explanatory research but instead answers the 'who', 'what', 'when', and 'where' questions; observations are based on the scientific method and are therefore more reliable than descriptions provided by untrained individuals
• Research design


  A strategic plan of how to go about answering the research questions; a plan on how to collect, analyze, and interpret the research data; touches on all parts of the research and acts as a blueprint
• Research methodology


  The rationale for the research design and is broader in terms of concepts on which it touches; justifies one's choice of data collection, analysis method, and procedures
• Research methods


  Specific set of tools that a researcher uses throughout the study; the details that will be based on the methodology
• Research paradigm


  A cluster of beliefs and dictates which influence what should be studied, how research should be done, and how results should be interpreted
• Research paradigms

  • Qualitative
  • Quantitative
• Qualitative research


  • Researchers are primarily concerned with processes rather than outcomes
  • Researchers are interested in meaning, or how people make sense of their experiences
  • The researcher is the primary instrument for data collection and analysis
  • Research involves fieldwork
  • The research is highly descriptive in that the researcher is interested in deriving meaning from words or pictures
  • The process is inductive
• Approaches to qualitative research

  • Phenomenology
  • Ethnography
  • Case study
  • Discourse/Conversation analysis
  • Inductive thematic theory
  • Grounded theory
  • Narrative analysis
• Phenomenology


  Both an approach to and a method of understanding the behavioral, emotive, and social meanings of lived experiences of individuals
• Ethnography


  Focuses on studying shared practices and belief systems (i.e., culture) of a group of people in their natural context over a prolonged period
• Case study


  Allows in-depth investigation of complex issues within a specific context based on a small geographical area or a very limited number of individuals as the subjects of the study
• Discourse/Conversation analysis


  Studies naturally occurring discourse and extract shared meanings from such discourse; text is the object of analysis
• Inductive thematic theory


  Primarily concerned with presenting the stories and experiences voiced by study participants as accurately and comprehensively as possible
• Grounded theory


  A set of inductive data collection and analytic methods to construct theories grounded in the data themselves
• Narrative analysis


  Focuses on narratives (storytelling) as the source of data
• Qualitative research


  Research that occurs in the field or in a natural setting where the phenomenon is happening. The researcher engages with the people directly involved and often acclimate themselves to the views, beliefs, and culture of the community in focus.
• Qualitative research


  • Researchers act as the key instrument in collecting data
  • The participant and their subjective views on a particular phenomenon are put into emphasis
  • Uses multiple sources of data and analysis
• Semi-structured interviews


  Important means to dig down information using open-ended questions. Ensures mutual understanding between participant and interviewer.
• Observations


  First-hand account of observing, prevents imposition of preconceived ideas and explore unforeseen effects
• Focused group discussion


  Provides a relaxed atmosphere so that people feel free to express their views and strengths. Responses can be more spontaneous than in a one-to-one interview.
• Qualitative research methods have strengths and weaknesses
• Research ethics


  Ensures that every part of the study can balance the values and morals of both researcher and subject/respondent
• Six ethical principles

  • Beneficence
  • Veracity or Justice
  • Voluntary Participation/Respect for Persons
  • Anonymity and Confidentiality
  • Disclosure
  • Consent
• Informed consent


  Allows participants to know that they are being researched, the nature of this research, and that they have the right to withdraw
• Nonscientific knowledge


  other sphere of human knowledge
• Beneficence


  maximize benefit and minimize harm
• Veracity or Justice


  The truth must always be stated, and all agreement or promises must be met