RESEARCH MATTERS 2ND EDITION

Introduction to Research Matters

• Authors: Franzél duPlooy-Cilliers, Corné Davis, Rose-Marié Bezuidenhout

• 2nd Edition Published: 2021

Chapter Overview

Contents Overview

1. What is research?

2. Research paradigms and traditions

3. Theory in research

4. From topic to research question

5. The aims of research

6. Formulating hypotheses

7. The research rationale

8. The literature review

9. Conceptualisation

10. Constructing arguments in research

11. Sampling

12. Quantitative data collection

13. Qualitative research designs and data collection

14. Action research

15. Quantitative data analysis

16. Qualitative data analysis and interpretation

17. Validity and reliability

18. Ethics in research

19. Limitations, delimitations, and recommendations

20. The research proposal

21. The research report

22. Referencing

Core Concepts of Research

Defining Research

• Research is questioning and answering to understand the world.

• Research is relevant in various domains, including health (e.g., during pandemics).

Importance of Research

• Essential for personal, societal, and global development.

• Research helps in making informed decisions.

• Research contributes to broadening knowledge and solving issues.

The Research Process

Key Stages

1. Identifying and analysing the question/problem.

2. Finding and reviewing existing literature.

3. Formulating research questions/hypotheses.

4. Choosing an appropriate research design.

5. Data collection methods.

6. Data analysis.

7. Reflection and reporting.

Research Paradigms

• Understanding frameworks that influence research methods:

  • Positivism

  • Interpretivism

  • Critical theory

Theory in Research

• Definitions and functions of theories:

  • Theories structure knowledge, interpret phenomena, and guide researchers.

• Types of theories (

  • Grand theories, middle-range theories, and substantive theories).

Action Research