Definition, Importance, and Kinds of Research - Research 1Q

Research

Pertains to any systematic investigation of any social or natural phenomena where results and conclusions are aimed at contributing to generalizable knowledge.

Contributes to a body of science and follows the scientific method

Enumerate two (2) requirements for research to be scientific:

Inductive and deductive

Enumerate the two (2) main ways of conducting scientific research:

Inductive

Theory-building research, also known as qualitative research. Includes several characteristics: it is not anchored in a specific theory, often has a tentative title, no recommendations, and leads to a general conclusion.

Deductive

Theory-testing research, also known as quantitative research. Includes several characteristics: it is anchored on a theory, title is already formulated, has recommendations, and leads to a specific conclusion.

Quantitative

Data in the form of numbers and quantity.

Qualitative

Data in the form of words and meanings; analysis on the participants of the study; experiences of people.

Basic research

Known as theoretical research; advance knowledge or understanding; discovers new phenomena or new ideas of general interest; leans more on descriptive.

Applied research

Contributes directly to understanding or resolution of practical issues; contributes to the solution of specific practical problems; leans more on experimental.

Exploratory

Seeks to test the feasibility of undertaking a more extensive study regarding a particular phenomenon.

Descriptive

Seeks to make careful observations and detailed documentation of a phenomenon of interest; it examines the what, where, and when.

Explanatory

Seeks answers to why and how types of questions and to explain observed phenomena, problems or behaviors.

Ontological

Concerns the assumptions about how the world is seen. (What exists?)

Epistemological

Concerns the assumptions about the best way to study the world. (How do we know?)

Research design

A blueprint for the collection, processing, measurement, and analysis of data.

Research methods

Techniques and tools for gathering data or evidence.

Research methodology

Bridges ontological and epistemological assumptions or positions to choice of data collection and analysis methods and procedures.