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INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH
 RESEARCH
RESEARCH DEFINED
PROCESS
Grinnell (1993): PHASE 1: DECIDING WHAT TO RESEARCH
‘research is a Step 1: Formulating a Research Problem
structured inquiry PHASE 2: PLANNING A RESEARCH STUDY
that utilizes Step 2: Conceptualizing a research design
acceptable scientific Step 3: Constructing an instrument for
data collection
methodology to Step 4: Selecting a sample
solve problems and Step 5: Writing a research proposal
creates new PHASE 3: CONDUCTING A RESEARCH STUDY
knowledge that is Step 6: Collecting data
generally applicable.’ Step 7: Processing and displaying data
Step 8: Writing a research report
GENERAL CLASSIFICATIONS OF RESEARCH

Quantitative Qualitative
Research is the Research is the
collection and collection, analysis, and
analysis of interpretation of
numerical data to comprehensive
explain, predict, narrative and visual
and/or control (nonnumeric data) to
phenomena of gain insights into a
interest. particular phenomenon
of interest.
Results

The first hypothesis predicted that students enrolled in the conventional classroom would perceive a
higher rate of instructor verbal immediacy than students enrolled in the distributed learning
classroom. This hypothesis was not supported, t(7l) = .37, p > .05. Conventional classroom students (m
= 46.01, sd= 8.70) and distributed learning classroom students (m= 46.71, sd = 7.76) did not differ in
their perceptions of instructor verbal immediacy.
Freitas, F.A., Myers, S.A. & Avtgis, T.A. (1998). Student perceptions of instructor immediacy in conventional and distributed learning classrooms.
Communication Education, 47:4, 366-372, DOI: 10.1080/03634529809379143

Hung, M. L., Chou, C., Chen, C. H., & Own, Z. Y. (2010). Learner readiness for online learning: Scale development and student perceptions. Computers &
Education, 55(3), 1080-1090.
Source: Gray, L.R., Mills, G.E., & Airasian, F. (2012). Educational research: competencies for analysis and applications (10th ed.). New
York: PEARSON.
 Quantitative
Approaches: Intended to describe current
conditions, investigate relations, and study
cause-effect phenomena.
RESEARCH Survey research. Collecting numerical data to answer
METHOD questions about the current status of the subject of study.
DEFINED Correlational research. Examines the relation between
two or more variables.
A research Causal-comparative research. Investigate differences
method comprises between two or more different programs, methods, or
groups.
all the strategy
True experimental research. Investigate causal relations
followed in among variables.
collecting and Single-subject experimental research. Study the behavior
analyzing data. change of an individual or group exhibits as a result of some
intervention or treatment.
Qualitative
Approaches: Intended to provide a deep
description of aspects of people’s everyday
perspectives and context.
Narrative research. Study of how individuals experience
the world by allowing them to tell a story of their lives.
Ethnographic research. Examines the cultural patterns
and perspectives of participants in their natural setting.
Case study. Research on a unit of study or bounded system.
Phenomenological research. Focuses on the commonality
of a lived experience within a particular group
Grounded theory. Construction of theories through
methodical gathering and analysis of data.
Historical research. Studies the meaning of past events in
an attempt to interpret the facts and explain the cause of
events, and their effect in the present events.
CLASSIFICATION OF
RESEARCH BASED ON PURPOSE
Basic research is conducted to
develop or refine theory. Applied
research is conducted to find solutions
to current practical problems.
Evaluation research is to inform
decision making about ___________
programs and practices.
The major purpose of R&D efforts is to
develop effective products for use in
schools.
Action research is to provide teacher
researchers with a method for solving
everyday problems in their own
settings.
EXERCISES

Determine whether the study is quantitative or qualitative.

1. Narrative inquiry into life experiences of refugee women and men.

2. Combined arms warfare in the Israel defense forces: an historical overview.
3. Ex-post facto analysis of diseases of the Gulf of Mexico’s white shrimp
Litopenaeus setiferus.
4. The experience of dying: an ethnographic nursing home study.
5. The impact of ear, nose and throat surgery on children’s subsequent use of
health services: an 8-year cohort study.
6. Communicating brand identity on social media: a case study of the use of
Instagram and Twitter for collegiate athletic branding.
7. The relationship between nurse practice environment, nurse work
characteristics, burnout and job outcome and quality of nursing care: a
cross-sectional study.
8. Appreciative inquiry in a Norwegian nursing home: a unifying and maturing
process to forward new knowledge and new practice.