Lecture 1 - Research, Integrity And The Scientific Process

Question 1

How many natures of research are there?

Answer 1

Five

Question 2

What are the natures of research?

Answer 2

• Systematic - variables must be identified and the research is designed to test the relationships between variables

• Logical - examination of the methods and procedures used in research allows researchers to evaluate the conclusions they have made

• Empirical - researchers collect data on which to base decisions

• Reductive - researchers use the data to establish general relationships

• Replicable - the process is recorded enabling others to repeat the findings or extend them

Question 3

What mnemonic can be used to remember the natures of research?

Answer 3

• She likes every raging rod

• Systematic, logical, empirical, reductive, replicable

Question 4

What is the scientific method of problem solving?

Answer 4

• Identify and delimit a problem
• Searching, reviewing, analysing, integrating and summarising relevant literature
• Specifying/defining testable hypotheses
• Designing research to test the hypotheses
• Selecting participants and gathering data
• Analysing and reporting the results
• Discussing the meaning and implications

Question 5

What is internal validity?

Answer 5

If the results of the study can be attributed to the treatments in the study

Question 6

What is external validity?

Answer 6

The generalisability of the results

Question 7

What are non-scientific methods of problem solving?

Answer 7

• Tenacity - people cling to beliefs despite lack of supporting evidence

• Intuition - common sense/knowledge but there may be no evidence

• Authority - a position of power or responsibility or the qualifications someone holds

• Rationalistic method - knowledge through reasoning (could be a logical fallacy)

• Empirical method - a description of data that is based on observations

Question 8

How do you identify problems? (reasoning)

Answer 8

Inductive reasoning:
* Begin with observations
* Hypotheses
* Bring hypotheses together
* General explanation
* Theory

Deductive reasoning:
* Theory
* Postulate
* Replication of results
* Hypotheses
* Comparison with reality

Question 9

How many main categories of research are there?

Answer 9

Two

Question 10

What are the two main categories of research?

Answer 10

Basic research:
• Addresses theoretical problems under controlled conditions with limited direct application

Applied research:
• Addresses immediate problems under less controlled real-world settings and the findings have direct value to practitioners

Question 11

What is ecological validity?

Answer 11

The extent to which research emulates the real world and whether it’s generalisable

Question 12

What are the types of research?

Answer 12

• Analytical research

• Descriptive research

• Experimental research

• Qualitative research

• Mixed methods research

Question 13

How many types of research are there?

Answer 13

Five

Question 14

What mnemonic can be used to remember the types of research?

Answer 14

Amy doesn’t eat quail meat

Question 15

What is analytic research and what sub-groups can it be divided into?

Answer 15

It is an in-depth study and evaluation of information

• Historical research

• Philosophical research

• Reviews

• Research synthesis (systemic reviews and meta-analysis)

Question 16

What is descriptive research and what methods does it use to collect data?

Answer 16

Information is collected without changing the environment

• Questionnaire

• Interview

• Normative study

• Case study

• Observational research

Question 17

What is experimental research?

Answer 17

It involves manipulation of treatments/interventions to establish cause and effect

Question 18

What is qualitative research and what key words are used?

Answer 18

It explores and provides deeper insight into real world problems with reflection - focuses on “words’ not “numbers”

• Ethnographic/naturalistic - observing variables/people and behaviour in the real world

• Phenomenological - interviews with people who have experienced phenomenon

• Grounded theory - study methodology (design, features, analysis) for explaining and theorising

Question 19

How many shared values are there in research?

Answer 19

Four

Question 20

What are the shared values in research?

Answer 20

• Honesty - convey information truthfully and honouring commitments

• Accuracy - report findings precisely and the care to avoid errors

• Efficiency - use resources wisely and avoid waste

• Objectivity - let the facts speak for themselves and avoid improper bias

Question 21

What mnemonic can be used to remember the shared values in research?

Answer 21

Harry always eats oats

Question 22

What is research integrity?

Answer 22

Research practice viewed from the perspective of professional standards

Question 23

What is research ethics?

Answer 23

Research practice viewed from the perspective of moral principles

Question 24

Where can ethical issues arise?

Answer 24

• Research question

• Research design

• Number of participants

• Research team

• Risks, benefits, burdens

• Recruitment/compensation

• Respecting confidentiality

• Publication of results

• Informed consent

Question 25

How many areas of research misconduct are there?

Answer 25

Seven

Question 26

How many areas of research misconduct are there?

Answer 26

Seven

Question 27

What are the areas of research misconduct?

Answer 27

• Plagiarism

• Data fabrication and falsification

• Nonpublication of data

• Faulty data gathering procedures

• Poor data storage and retention

• Misleading authorship

• Unacceptable publication practice

Question 28

How does the scientific process of studies work?

Answer 28

• Apply for research funding

• Peer-review of research funding applications

• Apply for and receive ethical approval

• Deliver research as proposed

• Write up results

• Submit a research article to a journal for peer review

• Make changes, re-review, publication in journal

• Possible changes to practice, policy and the real world