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Chapter 1: What are Research Methods?

What is Research?

  • Definition: Research is a systematic inquiry that involves asking questions and using methods to find answers.

  • Everyday Examples:

    • Testing deodorants to find the most effective brand.

    • Seeking restaurant recommendations from friends using surveys.

    • Experimenting with different travel routes to determine the fastest option.

Purpose of Research Methods

  • Research methods are the tools and processes used to answer questions and engage in critical conversations.

  • They facilitate a structured approach to gather data and knowledge.

  • Concept of Rhetorical Invention: Initial exploration of a topic leads to further research and idea generation, akin to consumer product development.

Try This: Preview Your Awareness of Research Methods

  1. Reflect on personal experiences with research in various contexts (e.g., libraries, data analysis).

  2. List out tools/methods for:

    • Working with sources (Chapter 3)

    • Working with texts (Chapter 4)

    • Working with people (Chapter 5)

    • Working with places (Chapter 6)

    • Working with visuals (Chapter 7)

  3. Test familiarity with terms and discover overlaps in methods.

Complexity of Research

  • Research is not linear; it involves navigating through recursive processes.

  • A robust research question is fundamental and may evolve throughout the research journey.

  • Embrace ambiguity and uncertainty; anticipate revisions and new questions arising.

The Role of Metacognition

  • Reflect on the reasoning behind choices made at each stage of the research process.

  • This awareness enhances the ability to transfer learned skills to new contexts.

Rhetorical Foundations of Research

  • Invention: Generating ideas and crafting research proposals.

  • Delivery: Effective presentation and communication of research findings.

  • Understand the rhetorical context: the purpose, audience, and message of a given text.

Research Genres

  • Familiarization with various research genres is crucial:

    • Proposals, literature reviews, research memos, and visual formats.

  • Identify the audience and purpose of each genre to tailor communication effectively.

Examples of Research Applications

  • Research Example: Student Writing Habits

    • Explore when and why students start research projects, drawing from existing literature to inform new inquiries.

  • Effective Research Design: Iterative and messy at the beginning, requiring adaptability and reflection.

The Importance of Subjectivity and Ethics in Research

  • Acknowledge that all research involves a degree of subjectivity.

  • Ethical research practice requires awareness of one’s own biases and adherence to ethical standards.

Developing a Research Proposal

  • A proposal should articulate:

    • A clear research question.

    • The critical conversation the research addresses.

    • Chosen methods and corresponding methodology.

    • Data analysis plans.

  • Keep the proposal exploratory; it is a living document that should evolve as the project progresses.