Introduction to Research

Question 1

What is research?

Answer 1

Method of knowing through past experience, tradition, superstition and authority.

It is a systematic way of answering questions, a systematic method of inquiry.

Question 2

What are the two key components in research?

Answer 2

Systematic in nature

Focuses on a question of interest

Question 3

What are the steps in the research cycle?

Answer 3

1. Question identified
2. Hypothesis formed
3. Research plan
4. Data collection and analysis
5. Results interpreted
6. New questions arise

Question 4

What is the difference between basic and applied research?

Answer 4

Basic: explore without regard for a specific problem

• Concerned with discovering a more detailed and accurate understanding of something.
• Lays the foundation for future research
• Tests theories

Applied: solve a specific problem

• Concerned with solving a practical problem such as a the effects of cell phones on driving.
• Evaluation of how effective an intervention study is

Question 5

What are the three types of quantitative research?

Answer 5

Descriptive = describes what is happening.

Experimental = investigates a cause-and-effect relationship by manipulating variables.

Correlational = seeks to determine whether, and to what extent a relationship exists.

Question 6

Quantitative Research

Answer 6

• Use numerical data to answer research questions

- Data measurement must be precise and valid

Question 7

Qualitative Research

Answer 7

• Use non-numerical data to answer research questions
• Descriptive
• Data sources: open-ended interviews, direct observation, and written documents.

Question 8

What is mixed-methods research?

Answer 8

-Both quantitative and qualitative

Question 9

What is ontology?

Answer 9

Examines the nature of truth and reality

Question 10

What is epistemology?

Answer 10

How we acquire knowledge about truth and reality

Question 11

What make up the research paradigms?

Answer 11

Ontology + Epistemology