Lesson 1 - Objective and Process Flashcards
What is Research?
Research is a systematic and structured process of investigating a subject to gain new knowledge or confirm existing knowledge.
What are the three main philosophical foundations of research?
Epistemology – The study of knowledge (How do we know what we know?)
Ontology – The study of reality (What exists in the world?)
Axiology – The study of values (What is right or wrong in research?)
What does epistemology study in research?
Epistemology studies the nature, sources, and limits of knowledge, asking, “What counts as knowledge?”
What does ontology focus on in research?
Ontology is the study of reality, questioning what exists and what is real versus imagined.
What does axiology examine in research?
Axiology studies ethics and values in research, ensuring fairness, responsibility, and social justice.
What are the two main types of research?
Theoretical Research – Focuses on developing ideas and theories without experiments.
Empirical Research – Uses real-world data and experiments to test theories.
What are the key differences between theoretical and empirical research?
Based on
Purpose
Method
Focus
Example
Theoretical Research
1. Develop models and ideas
2. Uses logic and existing knowledge
3. Conceptual
4. Studying AI theories
Empirical Research
1. Test and validate ideas
2. Uses data and experiments
3. Observatinal/Experimental
4. Testing AI on real-world data
What are the three main research approaches?
Answer:
Deductive Approach – Starts with a theory, collects data, and tests the theory.
Inductive Approach – Starts with data collection, finds patterns, and develops a theory.
Abductive Approach – Mix of deductive and inductive; begins with a real-world problem and seeks the best explanation.
How does the deductive research approach work?
The researcher starts with a theory or hypothesis, collects data, and tests whether the hypothesis is correct. Example: Testing if “exercise improves memory.
How does the inductive research approach work?
The researcher collects data first, identifies patterns, and then develops a theory. Example: Observing social media usage and developing a theory on its impact on learning.
How does the abductive research approach work?
The researcher starts with an unclear problem, finds the most reasonable explanation, and tests it further.
Example: A bank investigates why customers are leaving and discovers poor service is the main reason.
What are the three main research methods?
Quantitative Research – Uses numbers and statistics.
Qualitative Research – Uses words, descriptions, and interviews.
Mixed-Methods Research – Combines both quantitative and qualitative methods.
What is quantitative research?
Quantitative research collects numerical data and applies statistical techniques. Examples include surveys, experiments, and observational studies.
What is qualitative research?
Qualitative research collects non-numerical data, such as interviews, case studies, and ethnographic studies, to understand behaviors and experiences.
What is mixed-methods research?
Mixed-methods research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to gain a deeper understanding of a research problem.
Why is research important?
Helps solve real-world problems.
Improves existing knowledge.
Supports better decision-making.
Helps businesses and technology grow.
What are some common research designs?
Descriptive Research: Describes a situation
Experimental Research : Test cause-effect
Longitudinal Research: Studies a group over time
Correctional Research: Finds relationships
Cross-Sectional Research : Studies different groups at a time
Case-Study Research : In-depth study of a single subject
How can you minimize biases in research?
Bias occurs when research results are influenced by personal opinions, preferences, or errors.
Use Random Sampling: Ensures fair representation of different groups.
Avoid Leading Questions: Questions should be neutral, avoiding words that influence responses.
Double-Blind Studies: Neither the researcher nor the participants know who is in the control or experimental group.
Cross-Validation: Compare findings with multiple sources to ensure consistency.
Use Standardized Procedures: Follow a consistent research methodology.
Acknowledge Bias: Researchers should state their assumptions and limitations in their study.
Chateristics of Research
Systematic: Follows a structured process.
Objective: Aims to be unbiased and factual.
Empirical: Based on real-world observations and experiments.
Replicable: Other researchers should be able to reproduce the findings.
Logical: Uses reasoning and critical thinking to draw conclusions.
