RESEARCH METHODS

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

What is research?
Research is
a process of enquiry and investigation; it is systematic, methodological and ethical; research can help solve practical problems and increase knowledge.

Formulating and clarifying the research topic

Starting point of your research project Most important and difficult part of your research Time consuming Choose the most appropriate research strategy, data collection and analysis techniques

Attributes of a good research topic

Your research topic must be something that you are capable of undertaking and one that stimulates your imagination Your ability to find the financial and time resources to undertake research on the topic You must be reasonably certain of gaining access to any data you might need to collect Issues within the research are capable of being linked to theory Clearly defined research questions and objectives Your topic will have a symmetry of potential outcomes

What makes good research?

Methods that are appropriate to the research questions and aims Appropriate and reflexive application of chosen methods An understanding of research methodology as more than methods

Research Approaches:
Research can be approached in the following ways: Applied/Basic
The primary aim of Basic Research is to improve knowledge generally, without any particular applied purpose in mind at the outset. Applied Research is designed from the start to apply its findings to a particular situation.

Quantitative/Qualitative Deductive/Inductive

Research Paradigm
Paradigms in social science research Inductive or deductive?
Deductive starts with theory then collects empirical data to test the theory. Logic: abstract to concrete. Inductive starts with empirical data and develops theories to understand and explain. Logic: concrete to abstract.

Frequently used techniques for generating and refining research ideas

Rational thinking Examining your own strengths and interest Looking at past project titles Discussion Search the literature Creative thinking Keeping a notebook of ideas Exploring personal preferences using past project Relevance trees brainstorming

Ethical concern arises when you:

plan research seek access to organizations and to individuals collect data analyze data report data

What are Research Ethics?

Ethics are norms or standards of behaviour that guide moral choices about our behaviour and our relationships with others The goal is to ensure that no one is harmed or suffers adverse consequences from research activities

Ethical Treatment of Participants

Begin data collection by explaining to the participant the benefits expected from the research Explain to the participants that their rights and well-being will be adequately protected, and say how this will be done Be certain that interviewers obtain the informed consent of the participant

Deception
The participant is told only part of the truth or when the truth is fully compromised To prevent biasing the participants before the survey or experiment To protect the confidentiality of a third party

Key Ethical Issues

Privacy Informed Consent Confidentiality and Anonymity Covert Methods Publication and the Impact of Research

Objections to Covert Methods

Contradict the principle of informed consent Erode personal liberty Betray trust Discriminate against the defenceless and powerless Damage the interests of subjects Are seldom necessary and confine the scope of the research

Writing & Publication Issues

Issue of ownership and control of data Issue of ownership and control over publication Moral duty to publish - right to know Confidentiality & Anonymity -constraint on publication Interpretation of and use which is made of research findings

Ethics Related to Sponsor

Sometimes researchers will be asked by sponsors to participate in unethical behavior. To avoid coercion by sponsor the researcher should: Educate sponsor to the purpose of research Explain researchers role Explain how distortion of the truth leads to future problems If necessary, terminate relationship with sponsor

Why Is It Important to Properly Cite Another Source?

Manuscripts posted on the Internet Increased access to material The proper use of citations:
Avoids plagiarism allegations Allows others to verify your work and find more material related to your research Adds scholarly support to your research

Customary Ways to Cite Material from Other Sources

Word-for-word quotes from other sources Long word-for-word quotes from other sources Paraphrasing other sources Figures Redrawn/altered figures

Reference Cite in the document only sources you actually read. Include all cited material in the reference list (web sources, CD-ROM material, etc.).

Common Integrity Problems

Borrowing material from another source with no credit given to original author Borrowing too extensively from a source without getting permission Including material you have already published and do not have permission to reuse Including references you did not read