Introduction to Research Flashcards
What is research in common language?
A search for knowledge
Research is often understood as a quest for information or understanding in everyday contexts.
another definition of research
systematic process of collecting and analysing data in order to increase our understanding of the phenomenon with which we are concerned or interested.
How is research defined academically?
A scientific & systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic
What are the components of research?
- Defining and redefining problems
- Formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions
- Collecting, organising and evaluating data
- Making deductions and reaching conclusions
- Testing the conclusions
What is exploratory or formulative research?
Studies aimed at gaining familiarity with a phenomenon or achieving new insights
What are descriptive research studies focused on?
Depicting accurately the characteristics of a particular individual, situation, or group
What is the goal of epidemiological research studies?
To determine the occurrence with which a condition occurs or with which it is associated with something else
What is hypothesis-testing research?
Research aimed at testing a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables
What does good research involve?
- Venturing into the unknown
- Working with data
- Interpreting results
- Communicating findings
- Generating new knowledge
What is applied research?
Research done with the intention of solving specific problems currently experienced in the organisation
What is basic research?
Research aimed at generating more knowledge and understanding of phenomena to build theories
What are the purposes of research?
- Reporting
- Describe
- Explain
- Predict
- Control/Experiment
What is purposiveness in research?
Starting with a definite aim and purpose
What is rigor in research?
Having a good theoretical base and a sound methodological design
What does testability mean in research?
Lending itself to testing logically developed hypotheses
What is replicability in research?
Research results supported when research is repeated in similar circumstances
What are precision and confidence in research?
- Precision: Closeness of findings to reality
- Confidence: Probability that estimations are correct
What does objectivity in research imply?
Conclusions drawn are based on facts resulting from actual data
What is generalisability in research?
The scope of applicability of the research findings in one setting to other settings
What does parsimony in research mean?
Simplicity in explaining phenomena or problems and in applying solutions
What is the first step in the research process?
Identify broad area of research interest
What is the purpose of a literature review in research?
Identify what has been done in the research area you have identified
What is a research proposal?
A detailed explanation of the research plan
What is a hypothesis?
A logical supposition or reasonable conjecture
