Practical Research Chapter 1

  • Research: the systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to answer questions or solve problems

    • Philosophy: How humans view the world and the fundamental processes that come as a result.

    • Philo - Collection of knowledge (to be wise)

    • MUST be FEASIBLE

    • Motivation of research is philosophy; Research is the execution of that motivation

Characteristics of Research

  • Research is driven by clear question or problem

  • Involves a specific plan or method

  • Research divides the problem into manageable sub-problems - essential to make sure that your research is solid

  • Guided by specific hypothesis or theory - not synonymous with each other

    • Hypothesis - An educated guess in statement format to solve a problem; includes all variables present in the situation

    • Theory - a well-established principle or set of ideas that aims to explain a phenomenon based on evidence and repeated testing

  • Research involves the collection and interpretation of data

  • The process is cyclical and recursive, often leading to new questions or problems. 

    • Research must be able to be recreated; if not, then it is not proper research.

Types of Research

  • Basic research

    •  Aims to increase the understanding of fundamental principles.

  • Applied research

    • Focuses on solving specific, practical Problem

The Importance of Research in Academic and Professional Settings

  • Research underpins the development of knowledge

  • It informs decision-making and policy development

  • Research enhances the ability to evaluate information critically

Ethical Considerations in Research

  • The need for honesty, integrity and respect for subjects

  • Importance of informed consent and confidentiality

    • IPF 

    • IRB

  • Responsibility to report findings truthfully and avoid plagiarism

The Research Process

  • Begins with identifying a problem or question

  • Includes a literature review to understand existing knowledge

  • Involves developing a research design or plan.

  • Data collection and analysis follow

  • Conclusions are drawn and reported

The Role of Theory in Research

  • Theory guides the research process by providing a framework for understanding and interpreting findings. 

    • Can take up to a year to develop a theory

Challenges in Research

  • Identifying a clear research problem

  • Balancing objectivity with personal bias

  • Ensuring reliable and valid data collection


What is NOT Research

  • Gathering information

  • Rummaging for information

  • The transportation of facts and information

  • Big R Research

    • This is the original data that is considered more formal

    • Interpretation!!

  •  Little r Research

    • This is more preliminary research, not as original


What makes it not Research? It is missing the interpretation of data

Research Rubric

  • In order to score at least a 3, there is an ineffectual argument for a new understanding.

    • Argumentation research is the claim made after conducting research

    • To find a problem, there must be different theories, and an argument can lead to these different paths

    • There must be a solid line of reasoning that rationalizes (data is important and relevant) So, the argument you use in research is explaining why your data, problem, and interpretations are relevant

Papers that Score a 1(AKA Little r research)

  • Rummaging for information (pg. 20 Practical Research)

  • Describes a Search and Report process (May not mention a method of collecting data.)

  • Summarizes or reports existing knowledge about a topic

Papers that Score a 2

  • Do not include two major aspects of Research: alignment and applicability

  • Presents a topic of inquiry with narrowing scope of focus

  • Describes a nonreplicable research method

RUBRIC

  • Gap should be stated in the literature review