Module 1 - Research Methods

THE FUNDAMENTALS

The Nature and Tools of Research Chapter One

What is Research?

 Merely gathering information

 Merely looking for hard to find information

 Merely moving facts from one place to another

 A systematic process

of collecting,

analyzing, and

interpreting data in

order to increase

understanding

It is NOT It IS

Formal Research

 Research in which we intentionally set out to

enhance our understanding of a phenomenon and

expect to communicate what we discover to the

larger scientific community.

Eight Characteristics of Research

 1) originates with a question or problem

 2) requires articulation of a goal

 3) Divides the problem into subproblems

 4) Guided by questions or hypotheses

 5) Requires a specific plan

 6) Rests on critical assumptions

 7) Requires collection/interpretation of data

 8) is cyclical

Tools and Methodology

 A research tool is a

specific mechanism the

researcher uses to

collect, manipulate, or

interpret data.

 Research methodology

is the general

approach the

researcher takes in

carrying out the

research.

Six General Tools of Research

 1) the library

 2) computer technology

 3) measurement

 4) statistics

 5) language

 6) critical thinking

Two Types of Statistics

Two Principle Functions of Statistics

 1) Descriptive Statistics –summarize the

general nature of the data

 2) Inferential Statistics – help the

researcher make decisions about the

data

Critical Thinking

 Deductive Logic

 Inductive Reasoning

 Scientific Method

Deductive Logic

 1) begins with one or more premises (statements or

assumptions

 2) reasoning proceeds logically toward conclusions

 3) provides the basis for mathematical proofs in

mathematics, physics, and related disciplines

Inductive Reasoning

 1) begins with an observation (not a pre-

established truth or assumption)

 2) people use specific instances or occurrences to

draw conclusions about entire classes of objects or

events

Scientific Method

 1) the method that searches after knowledge

 2) gained momentum during the 16th century

 3) means whereby insight into the unknown is sought

 4) is cyclical and flexible

 5) involves both inductive reasoning and deductive

logic

 6) theory building

 7) involves collaboration

Steps in the Scientific Method

 1) identifying the problem

 2) positing a hypothesis

 3) gathering data relevant to the hypothesis

 4) analyzing and interpreting the data to see

whether they support the hypothesis and resolve the

original question

What is a Theory?

An organized body of concepts and principles

intended to explain a particular phenomenon

Theory Building

 1) the human mind is a constructive mind

 2) humans have a tendency to develop theories

 3) good researchers support their findings with data

 4) involves thinking actively and intentionally

 5) uses a process called abduction

 6) may be tested by deductive reasoning

 7) may be revised

 8) is a slow process

Seven Pitfalls to the Reasoning Process

 1) confusing what must logically be true with what seems to be true

 2) making generalizations too soon

 3) only looking for evidence that will confirm our hypotheses

 4)confirming expectations even when evidence is to the contrary

 5) mistaking dogma for fact

 6) letting emotion override logic and objectivity

 7) mistaking correlation for causation

Summary

 Definition of research

 Eight characteristics of research

 Tools of research

 Two types of statistics

 Critical thinking

 Deductive logic

 Inductive reasoning

 Scientific method

 Theory building

 Pitfalls to the reasoning process