L01 Introduction to Research & Scientific Methods Flashcards
Define ‘research’.
A systematic investigation, including research development, testing & evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalisable knowledge.
What is the objective behind conducting research?
To extend knowledge of the physical, biological or social world beyond what is already known.
Describe the scientific method.
Also known as the ‘Hypothetico-Deductive Method’.
- i.e. formulating & testing hypotheses
- Inductive method is used for qualitative research, where conclusions are drawn for observations found.
1) Make observations
- e.g. What do I see in nature?
2) Think of interesting questions
- e.g. Why does that pattern occur?
3) Formulating hypotheses
- e.g. What are the general causes of phenomenon I am wondering about?
4) Develop testable predictions
- e.g. If my hypothesis is correct, then I expect a, b, c, …
5) Gather data to test predictions
- Relevant data can come from literature, new observations or formal experiments.
- Thorough testing requires replication to verify results.
6) Refine, alter, expand or reject hypotheses
7) Develop general theories
- General theories must be consistent with most or all available data and with other current theories.
Outline the stages in the research process.
8 operational steps in three phases:
Phase I: Deciding WHAT to research
1) Formulating a research problem
- Considerations & steps in formulating a research problem
- Definition & typology of variables & hypotheses testing
- Literature review is IMPT (throughout research process) to review if similar studies were conducted already!
Phase II: Planning HOW to conduct the study
2) Conceptualising a research design
- i.e. study design, literature reviews
3) Constructing an instrument for data collection
- Methods & tools of data collection
- Validity & reliability of research tool used (incl. pilot tests)
4) Selecting a sample
- Sampling theory & designs
5) Writing a research proposal
Phase III: Conducting the study
6) Collecting data
7) Processing data
- Involves editing of data, development of code book, coding
- Methods of data processing
- Use of computers and statistical software
8) Writing a research report
- Principles of research writing
What are some important considerations to take note of when formulating a research question?
1) Everything that follows in the research process is greatly influenced by the way the research question is formulated since it defines the destination.
2) Strength of what is found largely rests on HOW it was found.
- Methodology used is the MOST IMPT for credibility & accuracy of results found!
- Faulty design results in misleading findings
- Developing appropriate research design is crucial in enabling investigator to arrive at valid findings.
Define ‘internal validity’.
Degree to which the observed findings lead to correct inferences / conclusions about phenomena taking place in the study sample.
Define ‘external validity’.
Also known as generalisability.
Degree to which the conclusions about phenomena drawn from the study can be appropriately applied to the people & events outside the study.
List & explain threats to internal & external validity.
1) Random error
- i.e. wrong result due to chance variability
- Affects precision i.e. degree to which a variable has nearly the same value when measured multiple times
- Removed via taking multiple measurements & take the average.
2) Systematic error
- i.e. wrong results due to bias
- Affects accuracy i.e. degree to which a variable actually representing the true value
- Removed via checking what caused the inaccuracies
What are some considerations when selecting a representative sample of the intended population to test a hypothesis?
1) Can be studied at an acceptable cost in time & money
2) Large enough to control random error & have sufficient statistical power
3) Representative enough to allow generalizability to populations of interest
Step 1: Target population well suited to research qn
Step 2: Accessible population representative of target populations & available
Step 3: Intended sample representative of accessible population & easy to study.
List the typical components that make up a research report.
1) Title
2) Abstract
3) Introduction
4) Methods
5) Results
6) Discussion
7) Conclusion
8) Acknowledgement
9) References
10) Appendices (optional)
List the components required to formulate an abstract.
1) Introduction
2) Methods
3) Results
4) Conclusion
X Discussion: no space in typical word limit of 300-350 words
What are some important values to adopt for the responsible conduct of research?
1) Honesty
- Conveying information truthfully & honouring commitments
2) Accuracy
- Reporting findings precisely & taking care to avoid errors
3) Efficiency
- Using resources wisely & avoiding waste
4) Objectivity
- Letting facts speak for themselves & avoiding improper bias
