research

• 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
• 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


  Often used to describe an aspect of life richly. This is related to explanatory research but instead answers the 'who', 'what', 'when', and 'where' questions. These 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. It is a plan on how to collect, analyze, and interpret the research data. It 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. It justifies one's choice of data collection, analysis method, and procedures
• Research methods


  Specific set of tools that a researcher uses throughout the study. These are the details that will be based on the methodology
• label the research method

  A) observation

  B) hypothesis

  C) question

  D) peer review

  E) experiment

  
• 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
• 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
• 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
• discourse is divided into four (4) themes: discourse as a topic, discourse as a form of action, discourse is rhetorically organized, and language is constructive.
• Qualitative research 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.
• Researchers act as the key instrument in collecting data for qualitative research.
• The participant and their subjective views on a particular phenomenon are put into emphasis in a qualitative study. These different perspectives are highlighted when presenting the findings of the study.
• Qualitative research uses multiple sources of data and analysis. Data can be collected using interviews, focus group discussions, observations, document reviews, and audiovisual information
• Semi-structured interviews

  Strengths

  • Prevents imposing biases

  • Important means to dig down information using open-ended questions

  • Ensures mutual understanding between participant and interviewer

  
  

  Weakness

  • Tendency to ask leading questions

  • Interviews and analysis can be both time-consuming, subjective, and not generalizable

  • Participants’ accounts always mean something, but they cannot always be taken at face value
• Observations

  Strengths

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

  Weakness

  • Observations and analysis can be time-consuming and are not generalizable

  • Observer’s presence may influence participants

  • Observer may misinterpret actions, may be subjective
• Focused group discussion

  Strengths

  • Less expensive than individual interviews

  • 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

  Weakness

  • Findings are not generalizable unless sampling techniques are used to constitute the groups

  • Depends on people’s ability to talk in groups; group dynamics may inhibit people
• Research ethics ensures that every part of the study can balance the values and morals of both researcher and subject/respondent
• Ethical Goals of a Researcher

  • Ensure that people participate voluntarily in the study

  • Keep people’s comments and behavior confidential

  • Protect people from harm

  • Ensure mutual trust between researcher and participants
• Beneficence - Researchers are ethically obligated to maximize benefit and minimize harm. The study puts emphasis on the research design being sound and the researchers having the appropriate competencies.
• Veracity or Justice - The truth must always be stated, and all agreements or promises must be met. Researchers are morally obligated to treat each person what is morally proper and due to him/her. Additionally, both benefits and burdens must be equally distributed to all participants.
• Voluntary Participation/Respect for Persons - Participants must be aware that their participation in the study is voluntary and that they are free to withdraw at any time without unfavorable repercussions. Respect for persons is based on the respect for autonomy and protection of said persons.