Research Design: Key Concepts and Worldviews

Research is a systematic, rigorous investigation of a situation or problem to understand existing knowledge, validate it, and/or generate new knowledge.
It is a critical tool for understanding the complexity of the world; claims require evidence.
Szent-Györgyi quote: Research is to see what everybody else has seen and to think what nobody else has thought.

Research is conducted in a systematic and rigorous way using the scientific method and appropriate designs.
Researchers maintain a healthy, skeptical attitude and apply empirical observations to test hypotheses.

Designs are plans and procedures spanning broad assumptions to detailed data methods.
Choice of design depends on the nature of the research problem, the researcher’s experience, and the audience.

Quantitative Research: tests objective theories by examining relationships among variables; variables are typically measurable; standard report structure: introduction, literature/theory, methods, results, discussion.
Qualitative Research: explores and understands meanings individuals or groups assign to a problem; data collected in participants’ settings; inductive analysis; flexible report structure.
Mixed-Methods Research: combines qualitative and quantitative approaches; aims to leverage strengths of both; integration is key.

Identify relationships among variables; data are typically numerical; instruments measure variables.
Final report structure: introduction, literature/theory, methods, results, discussion.
Common methods: surveys/questionnaires, correlational and experimental studies; probability sampling; data collection and analysis.

Data collected in natural settings; analysis is inductive, building from particulars to general themes; interpretations of meaning.
Final report structure: flexible.
Common methods: one-on-one interviews, case studies, focus groups, ethnography, process observation.

Involves philosophical assumptions and uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Mixing methods aims to provide a richer understanding than either approach alone.
Strategies include sequential, concurrent, and transformative designs.

Philosophical worldviews (worldviews/paradigms): Postpositive, Social Construction, Advocacy/Participatory, Pragmatic.
Strategies of inquiry: Qualitative (e.g., ethnography), Quantitative (e.g., experiments), Mixed-methods (e.g., sequential).
Research Methods: data collection, instruments, data analysis, interpretation, write-up, validation.

Worldview (paradigm): a basic set of beliefs guiding action and guiding how the researcher views the world and research.
Ontology and Epistemology underpin worldviews.

Ontology: study of being; what exists; certainties about the nature of objects studied.
Ontology types:
- Realism: there is one truth; objective measurements; generalizable findings.
- Relativism: multiple realities; context-bound; truth evolves.
Epistemology: study of knowledge; validity, scope, and methods of acquiring knowledge; affects how knowledge claims are framed and transferred.
Etic (outsider) vs. Emic (insider) perspectives.

Methodology: how knowledge is discovered and analyzed in a systematic way; philosophies guide appropriate methods; objectivity levels vary by method (e.g., experiments vs. interviews).

Postpositivism: deterministic, reductionist, empirical observation, theory verification.
Constructivism: multiple meanings; knowledge is socially constructed; theory generation.
Advocacy & Participatory: politics and change; collaborative; focused on marginalized groups.
Pragmatism: problem-centered; pluralistic; uses all available approaches for practical outcomes.

Postpositivism: determinism, reductionism, empirical verification.
Constructivism: multiple meanings, social/historical construction, theory generation.
Advocacy/Participatory: empowerment, change, collaboration.
Pragmatism: consequences, problem-centered, pluralistic, real-world practice.

Quantitative strategies: Surveys; Experiments.
Qualitative strategies: Ethnographies; Grounded theory; Case studies; Phenomenological research; Narrative research.
Mixed-methods strategies: Sequential; Concurrent; Transformative.

Data types: quantitative (numeric), qualitative (text/image), mixed.
Methods: instruments, observations, interviews, documents; data analysis; interpretation; validation.
Predetermined vs. emerging methods; integration across stages of inquiry.

Quantitative: identify factors influencing outcomes; assess intervention utility; identify predictors.
Qualitative: understand a concept with little prior research; explore new topics/groups.
Mixed-Methods: when combining approaches yields the best understanding or when neither approach alone suffices.

Always align design with problem, philosophy, and audience to ensure coherence and usefulness.