Research Fundamentals

The Purpose of Research (AIIE)

Advance Knowledge

Increase Understanding

Inform Practice

Educate Others

Focus of Research

Refers to the specific question or hypothesis being investigated.

Sampling

Something small to represent large amount or whole

Sampling Methods (CCSSS) & its meaning

Cluster → Dividing the population into clusters and random selection is made within the clusters (e.g →, homeroom clusters) 

Convenience → Researcher selects people because they are easily located (e.g friends in a peer group or family members) 

Simple Random → Where every single person has an exact and equal chance of being selected

Systemic → Choosing one number at random and then every nth unity after this random start

Stratified → A process in which the population is divided into layers / groups and then a random selection occurs (balanced representation)  

Sample Group

The individuals targeted on focus of research that have chosen to participate in.

Sample Size

The number of participants included / selected in research study from population

Types of Data

Primary Data

Secondary Data

Quantitative

Qualitative

Sources of Data

Indivudals & Groups - Teachers, family members, Salvation Army. 

Print & Digital - Journals, newspapers, documentaries.

Reliability & Validity

Reliability

The ability to perform the same experiment and obtain the same results. 

Validity

The accuracy of results.

Ethical Behaviour (BIRP) & its meaning

Bias

Unfair preferences

Integrity

The action of being honest and truthful

Respect

Consideration towards individuals feelings, wishes or rights

Privacy

Confidentiality & anonymity

Research Methods (LOC IQ) & its meaning

Questionnaire (Usually Quantitative)

A form of survey that consists of a series of questions. It is good to use when resources such as time and money are limited.

Interviews (Usually Qualitative)

Form of survey where the researcher asks one or more people a series of questions directly to gather information about a topic

Case Studies:

Involve an in-depth investigation of an individual, group, or situation using information collected over time. 

Observations:

A process of watching and recording the behaviours of participants; the researcher maybe a participant or non-participant in the research activity 

Literature Review:

Analysis of existing research, including books, articles, and reports.