Chapter 1 - Research Methodology Flashcards
What are the 3 key purposes of Research?
- Discover Truth
- Learn something new that no other person has
- Ask new questions to which no answer has been found.
Research is a _______ process.
step-wise
What are two characteristics of a step-wise Research process?
- Observable
- Logically Ordered
What are the simplified steps of the research process?
- See a problem
- Collect facts
- Make a decision (Based on facts)
- Find a solution
What is research guided by?
A reasonable guess at what is causing the problem and what we need to know in order to solve the problem
Define a Fact:
An event or thing that is known to have happened, to exist, and to be true.
What are facts based on?
Experience & Scientific Evidence
Define a Hypothesis:
A proposed explanation of an observed phenomenon and its cause.
How are hypotheses formulated?
As statements
How are hypotheses tested?
Through research
True or False: It must be possible to refute any scientific hypothesis.
True
Define a Theory:
A broader term referring to a set of laws, rules and explanations.
How are theories supported?
By a large body of experimental and observational evidence that leads to robust and internally consistent conclusions.
What was the precursor to modern research methodology and approaches?
Ancient Greeks and the Study of Philosophy
What was a major set back to research?
The Middle Ages
Why were the Middle Ages a setback to research?
Religious and supernatural beliefs replaced logic / observation / factual based thinking.
When did approaches to modern research improve after the Middle Ages?
In the Renaissance Period (14 - 17 century)
What are the names of some pivotal figures that used the roots of modern research approaches in their work?
- Galileo
- Copernicus
- Leonardo
The word _______ is often one of the most misused worlds in the English language.
research
Define Research***:
A studious inquiry or examination, especially a critical and exhaustive investigation or experimentation.
What is the aim of Research? ***
- Discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation
- Revision of accepted conclusions theories or laws in the light of newly discovered facts; or
- Practical application of such conclusions, theories or laws.
How many characteristics are in the basic research procedure?
8
What are the 8 characteristics of a Basic Research Procedure?
- Begins in the mind of the researcher
- Clear Statement of Goals
- Plan of the procedure
- Problems vs. Subproblems
- Hypothesis construction
- Assumptions
- Data for research
- Helical or Circular process
What are some key components of planning a research method?
a. Logical plan and ideas to reach goals
b. Answer honestly
c. Carefully planned attack
True or False: Hypotheses are tentative, they can be a hunch, intuitive feeling or educated guess.
True
What are two aspects of assumptions in a Research Procedure?
- Sets a foundation for your research (Self evident truths)
- Others need to know assumptions
What are the three types of Data?
- Specific
- Measurable
- Open to Interpretation
______ must be arranged or manipulated so a discovery of its meaning can be made.
Data
What are the two types of Research Processes?
- Helical
- Circular
Define Quantitative data:
Quantitative Data can be counted, measured, and expressed using numbers.
Define Qualitative Data:
Qualitative Data is descriptive and conceptual.