Research Methods Outline
Lecture 1
Research Basics
• Definition o Process of applying creative thinking in a logical way o Acquisition & creation of knowledge informed by theory & practice
• Misconceptions o Not simply gathering existing information o Not merely gathering new data o Not necessarily the production of something original o Not always involving a problem
• Knowledge-driven o Explores o Speculates o Describes o Explains o Predicts o Evaluates
• Purposes o Role expectation o Current information o Client perspectives o Solutions to problems o Improvements o Interests o Evidence-based practice
Research Continuum
Basic
• Usually deals with theoretical problems • Conducted in laboratory settings • Frequently uses animal subjects
• Carefully controls conditions
• Has limited direct application
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•
•
•
•
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Applied
Addresses immediate issues
Conducted in real-world settings
Involves human participants
Has limited control over setting
Has direct value to practitioners
Has ecological validity
2
Characteristics of QUALITY research
1. Identifying & delimiting a problem
2. Searching, reviewing & writing
3. Specifying & defining testable hypotheses
4. Designing to test hypotheses or answer questions
5. Selecting, describing, testing & treating or engaging with participants
6. Analysing & reporting results
7. Discussing meaning & implications
The Research Process
1. Identify a question / issue
2. Consider the question / issue itself & possible ways to answer / solve it
3. Use a valid & reliable method to answer / solve it
4. Reflect on 1, 2 & 3. Then discuss how research has generated new knowledge or clarifies existing work
Select the topic Review the literature Develop the theoretical
&
conceptual framework Research Orientation
Paradigm
• Positivist
• Interpretive
• Critical
• Emancipatory
Perspectives
Qualitative
• Build theory
• Tentative hypothesis – test
• Notice patterns across time
•
Research Basics
• Definition o Process of applying creative thinking in a logical way o Acquisition & creation of knowledge informed by theory & practice
• Misconceptions o Not simply gathering existing information o Not merely gathering new data o Not necessarily the production of something original o Not always involving a problem
• Knowledge-driven o Explores o Speculates o Describes o Explains o Predicts o Evaluates
• Purposes o Role expectation o Current information o Client perspectives o Solutions to problems o Improvements o Interests o Evidence-based practice
Research Continuum
Basic
• Usually deals with theoretical problems • Conducted in laboratory settings • Frequently uses animal subjects
• Carefully controls conditions
• Has limited direct application
•
•
•
•
•
•
Applied
Addresses immediate issues
Conducted in real-world settings
Involves human participants
Has limited control over setting
Has direct value to practitioners
Has ecological validity
2
Characteristics of QUALITY research
1. Identifying & delimiting a problem
2. Searching, reviewing & writing
3. Specifying & defining testable hypotheses
4. Designing to test hypotheses or answer questions
5. Selecting, describing, testing & treating or engaging with participants
6. Analysing & reporting results
7. Discussing meaning & implications
The Research Process
1. Identify a question / issue
2. Consider the question / issue itself & possible ways to answer / solve it
3. Use a valid & reliable method to answer / solve it
4. Reflect on 1, 2 & 3. Then discuss how research has generated new knowledge or clarifies existing work
Select the topic Review the literature Develop the theoretical
&
conceptual framework Research Orientation
Paradigm
• Positivist
• Interpretive
• Critical
• Emancipatory
Perspectives
Qualitative
• Build theory
• Tentative hypothesis – test
• Notice patterns across time
•