research

What are research methods?

Research methods are systematic approaches and procedures used to collect, analyze, and interpret data to answer research questions, solve problems, or understand phenomena.

What are the main categories of research methods?

1. Quantitative Research: Focuses on numerical data, statistical analysis, and objective measurement to test hypotheses and establish generalizations.2. Qualitative Research: Focuses on exploring non-numerical data (e.g., text, observations) to understand experiences, perspectives, and meanings in depth.3. Mixed Methods Research: Combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem.

What are the key stages in the research process?

1. Identify Research Problem/Question: Defining what needs to be investigated.2. Review Literature: Examining existing studies and theories.3. Formulate Hypothesis/Research Objectives: Making testable predictions or clear goals.4. Design Research: Choosing appropriate methods (e.g., experiment, survey).5. Collect Data: Gathering information using chosen methods.6. Analyze Data: Processing and interpreting the collected information.7. Interpret Findings & Discuss: Relating results to the research question and literature.8. Report Findings: Communicating the research process and results.

What are common data collection methods in quantitative research?

• Surveys/Questionnaires: Collecting standardized data from a large sample, often using closed-ended questions.- Experiments: Manipulating one or more independent variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable, often in controlled settings.- Observational Studies: Systematically observing and recording behaviors or characteristics in a structured manner.- Content Analysis: Systematically analyzing pre-existing texts or media for patterns and frequencies.

What are common data collection methods in qualitative research?

• Interviews: In-depth conversations to explore participants' perspectives, experiences, and opinions (structured, semi-structured, unstructured).- Focus Groups: Group discussions facilitated by a moderator to gather insights from multiple participants simultaneously.- Ethnography: Immersion in a cultural setting to understand social phenomena from the perspective of the participants.- Case Studies: In-depth investigation of a single individual, group, event, or community.- Observations (Participant/Non-participant): Observing behaviors and interactions in natural settings, either by participating or remaining detached.

What is sampling, and why is it important in research?

• Sampling: The process of selecting a subset of individuals or items from a larger population for study.- Importance: It allows researchers to draw conclusions about the entire population based on the smaller, manageable sample, saving time and resources.

What are the main types of sampling methods?

1. Probability Sampling: Each member of the population has a known, non-zero chance of being selected (e.g., simple random, stratified, systematic, cluster).2. Non-Probability Sampling: Selection is not random, and the chances of selection are unknown (e.g., convenience, snowball, quota, purposive).

Define validity and reliability in research.

• Validity: The extent to which a research method accurately measures what it intends to measure (is it measuring the right thing?).- Reliability: The consistency of a research method; if the same study were to be repeated, would it yield similar results (is it consistent and dependable?).

What are key ethical considerations in research?

• Informed Consent: Participants must understand the research and agree to participate voluntarily.- Anonymity/Confidentiality: Protecting participants' identities and personal information.- Justice: Fair distribution of risks and benefits; no exploitation.- Beneficence/Non-maleficence: Maximizing potential benefits and minimizing harm to participants.- Integrity: Researchers must conduct and report research honestly and transparently.