Practical Research

• Descriptive research


  Describes the phenomena being studied. Addresses the "what" question. Data are gathered and descriptive statistics are then used to analyze such data.
• Correlational research


  Determines the relations among two or more variables. Data are gathered from multiple variables and correlational statistical techniques are then applied to the data.
• Experimental research


  The researcher manipulates one or more independent or grouping variables, (e.g., by comparing treatment conditions, such as an intervention group vs. a control group) and then observes the impact of that manipulation on one or more dependent or outcome variables (e.g., student achievement or motivation).
• Historical research


  The historical method is employed by researchers who are interested in reporting events and/or conditions that occurred in the past.
• Market research


  Any organized effort to gather information about target markets or customers. Provides important information to identify and analyze customer satisfaction, market need, market size, and competition.
• Ethnography


  A study of a particular cultural group.
• Phenomenology


  "Live-experienced" of a phenomenon.
• Content analysis


  A research technique that analyzes the modes of communication such as letters, e-mails, etc.
• Discourse analysis


  The study of social life, understood through an analysis of language it includes face-to-face talk, non-verbal interaction, images, and symbols. Materials for Discourse Analysis include books, newspapers, periodicals, brochures, and advertisements.
• Historical analysis


  A qualitative method where there is an examination of past events to draw conclusions and make predictions.
• Interview


  A one-on-one conversation where questions are asked by the researcher and answers are promptly given by the participant.
• Key Informant Interviews (KII)


  Designed to explore a topic before digging for the details of the situation.
• Focus Group Discussion (FGD)


  Involves gathering people from similar backgrounds or experiences together to discuss a specific topic of interest.
• Participant Observation


  Allows the researcher to not only observe the participants but also actively engages in their activities.
• Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA)


  Enables the researchers to interact with vulnerable people to share, enhance and analyze their knowledge of life conditions to plan, act, monitor, and evaluate what they have observed and experienced. Requires respect for community members, interest in what people know, say, show, and do, patience without rushing and interrupting, listening, not lecturing, and humility.
• Document Analysis


  Documents are reviewed by the researcher to assess what is the story behind those records.
• Tape/Video Recorder


  Enables the researcher to record the voices and scenarios during the data gathering activities.
• Hard Science

  • Numbers
  • Objective
  • Studies natural phenomenon
  • Tests Theory
  • Data driven
  • Cause and Effect Relationship
• Soft Science

  • Words
  • Subjective
  • Develop Theory
  • Studies human behaviour in a scientific manner
  • Knowing meaning and discovery
• Key Informant Interviews (KII)


  Designed to explore a topic before digging for the details of the situation
• Conduct of PRA

  • Respect for community members
  • Interest in what the people know, say, show and do
  • Patience without rushing and interrupting
  • Listening, not lecturing
  • Humility
• Tape/Video Recorder

  Enables the researcher to record the voices and scenarios during the data gathering activities
• Content Analysis


  Study of recorded information which has been documented in texts, media, or physical items