SM

Writing Research Paper 4

Definition (#f7aeae)

Important (#edcae9)

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Methodology:

Explains why and how a particular method or research design is chosen.

It is the philosophical foundation and strategic framework behind your research.

Parts of methodology:

  1. Research Design:

    • State whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.

  2. Sampling Methods:

    • Describe the techniques used to recruit participants.

    • Ex: Convenience sampling, division of participants (age, gender).

  3. Participants:

    • Number of participants.

    • Ratio of male to female.

    • Age gap of participants.

  4. Data Collection Methods:

    • How data was collected (observation, interview).

    • Covert vs Overt observations.

    • Who was observed.

  5. Role of Researcher:

    • Describe your involvement.

    • How this influenced your insights.

  6. Data Analysis:

    • How data was interpreted. (Use of theory to structure interpretation)

    • Ex: Erikson’s 8 stages Psychosocial Development Theory.

  7. Ethical Consideration:

    • Whether informed consent was obtained.

    • Confidentiality, voluntary participation and handling of sensitive situations.

Ethics:

Ethics refer to moral principles and guidelines that govern how researchers design, conduct, and report studies.

Ethical research protects participants’ rights, dignity, safety, and well-being, while also ensuring integrity and credibility in the research process.

Key Principles:

  1. Informed Consent:

    • Participants must receive full information about the study and voluntarily agree to take part.

  2. Right to Withdraw:

    • Participants can stop or leave the study at any time without negative consequences.

  3. Confidentiality:

    • Personal information must be kept private and secure.

  4. Anonymity:

    • Data collected must not be traceable to individual identities.

  5. Protection from Harm:

    • Participants must not experience physical, psychological, or emotional harm.

  6. Deception:

    • It must be minimal, justified, and followed by a thorough debriefing

  7. Debriefing:

    • Participants are fully informed of the true purpose of the study after participation.

  8. Reference:

    • Must be approved by an Ethics Committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB).

Consequences:

  1. Harm to participants.

  2. Loss of trust and reputation.

  3. Retraction of published work.

  4. Legal and institutional sanctions.