Lecture 1: Introduction

Question 1

What is the general research process? (6 steps)

Answer 1

1. Define the problem
2. Planning the research design
3. Planning the sample
4. Collecting the data
5. Analysing the data
6. Formulating conclusions and writing the final report

Question 2

What are the two approaches to research?

Answer 2

• Qualitative

* Quantitative

Question 3

What is basic research?

Answer 3

• Done to increase theoretical knowledge and understanding
• Generally not focused on a single practitioner problem
• Often aimed at solving abstract problems or asking “why?”

Question 4

What is applied research?

Answer 4

• Research done to inform a decision regarding a real life problem, situation, policy, etc
• Often employs ideas derived from basic research “applied” to day-to-day issues

Question 5

Basic and applied research can use…? (5)

Answer 5

• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Observational techniques
• Surveys
• Experiments