Module 9: Introduction to Research Methods

Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamental concepts and definitions of research.
Differentiate between various types of research methodologies.
Outline the systematic steps involved in the research process.
Recognize and apply ethical principles in research conduct.
Familiarize with key terminology used in research studies.
Explore specific quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.

What is Research?

Definition: Research is a systematic, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena. It is a structured inquiry that utilizes acceptable scientific methodologies to solve problems and create new knowledge.
Purpose of Research:
- Exploration: To investigate an area where little is known, often leading to new insights and hypotheses.
- Description: To accurately portray the characteristics of a particular individual, group, or situation.
- Explanation: To clarify why and how relationships between phenomena occur, identifying cause-and-effect.
- Prediction: To forecast future outcomes or behaviors based on established relationships.
- Control: To manipulate variables to achieve desired outcomes, often seen in applied research.
Characteristics of Good Research:
- Systematic: Follows a logical sequence of steps, ensuring rigor and replicability.
- Empirical: Based on direct observation or experience, verifiable through evidence.
- Critical: Involves careful and precise judgment, scrutinizing methods and findings for potential biases or errors.
- Objective: Strives to be free from personal biases, presenting findings fairly.
- Replicable: Methods are clearly documented, allowing others to repeat the study and verify results.

Types of Research

By Purpose:
- Basic (Pure) Research:
  - Aims to expand knowledge for knowledge's sake, without immediate practical application.
  - Focuses on developing theories and understanding fundamental principles.
  - Example: Studying the cognitive processes involved in memory formation.
- Applied Research:
  - Aims to solve specific, practical problems or to develop new technologies.
  - Findings are often directly applicable to real-world situations.
  - Example: Developing a new teaching method to improve student retention.
By Approach:
- Quantitative Research:
  - Focuses on numerical data, measurement, and statistical analysis.
  - Aims to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables.
  - Often used to test hypotheses and establish generalizable facts.
  - Characteristics: Large sample sizes, structured instruments (surveys, experiments), statistical inference.
- Qualitative Research:
  - Focuses on understanding experiences, perspectives, and meanings.
  - Aims to explore complex phenomena in depth, often in natural settings.
  - Generates rich, descriptive data rather than numerical data.
  - Characteristics: Small sample sizes, in-depth interviews, observations, focus groups, thematic analysis.
By Research Design:
- Descriptive Research: Describes the characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. It answers questions like 'what' and 'how much'.
- Correlational Research: Examines the relationship between two or more variables, but does not imply causation. It identifies patterns and trends.
- Experimental Research: Manipulates one or more independent variables to determine their effect on a dependent variable, while controlling for other factors. It aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
- Quasi-experimental Research: Similar to experimental research but lacks random assignment to groups, often due to practical or ethical constraints.

The Research Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Research Problem/Topic
- Begin with a broad area of interest, then narrow it down to a specific, researchable question.
- A good research problem is significant, feasible, and ethical.
- Example: Instead of