research methodology Flashcards
the purpose of research
advance knowledge, increase understanding, educate others, inform practice
the focus of research
question & hypothesis
question
focus of research is on evaluating existing information and assessing what is not known or what has been left out
hypothesis
an idea a researcher uses to base his or her research on.
sampling methods
random, systematic, clustered, convenience
random
he research wont discriminatory and means everyone in the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
systematic
researcher chooses the candidates systematically for example on the basis of every fifth person that walks past you.
clustered
the researcher includes various subgroups in the sample. For example, one year 11 CAFS class from all NSW schools.
Convenience
the researcher chooses he members of the sample group because he or she finds it easy to choose them. For example, a students assignment might have to give five people a questionnaire and they decide to choose their five best friends to complete it, the results will often be bias.
sample group
is the final group of individuals the researcher has chosen to participate in the research, depending on the nature of the research, the group will ideally include a diverse group of people who differ based on factors such as age, sex, location and religion.
sample size
mostly depends on the scale of the study, for example, a student who is sampling her peers for her IRP might have access to 20 interested respondents, whereas TV-network representative who are sampling the network’s viewers might have access to thousands of people.
types of data
primary, secondary
qualitative and quantitative
primary data
involves collecting ‘new’ data that didn’t exist before the research us undertaken, eg; Interview & questionnaire
secondary data
involves collecting data from existing research. He/she will interoperate the data by looking for recurring arguments or themes, eg literature review.
qualitative
More detail about beliefs, feelings, values and attitude.
quantitative
collects numerical data.
sources of data
individuals and groups
print and digital
individuals and groups
researchers can collate and record data from individuals and groups by various means in the form of interviews or questionnaire. and can assess individuals and groups in order to locate primary and secondary methodology. For example, the researcher might be doing the topic of ‘teen crime’ and therefore talk to local police and local councils.
print and digital
researchers can collate and record data from P&D means in the form of a case study (primary) or literature review (secondary) and include any information that can be accessed in hard-copy form or electronically.
reliability
means consistency in relation to the research findings, response must be reliable to be trusted. For example, an unreliable research project conducted on the northern beaches vs the same research project done using people across Australia.
validity
meaning legitimacy in relation to the findings the test has to test the correct thing. Findings include referenced sources of information from people, organizations, electronic sources, libraries and print sources.
ethical behavior
respect, integrity, privacy, bias
respect
Whatever the aspects of the research, the researcher should respect the individuals who are involved and accept their ideas, opinions and beliefs. For example, in emotional topics the researcher should take care to consider the respondent’s feelings
integrity
means maintenance of the researcher’s principle and standards. Ethical researchers will be honest and truthful in undertaking their research. For example, completing your own questionnaire would mean that you’re not maintaining integrity.
privacy
researchers have to consider the privacy of the people who are involved in the research, all information about their respondents confidential.
bias
a one-sided point of view that does not take into account other ideas or opposing view. For example, a woman who is researching religion might have her own preconceived views about the subject. If she uses her ideals, values and opinions to influence her research process and results, she will be demonstrating bias.
research methods
primary: - questionnaire - interview - case studies - observation secondary: - literature review
questionnaire
can be both qualitative (open ended) or quantitative (closed ended) should be clear, concise and not have leading questions
interview
qualitative research method used for obtaining information.
case study
qualitative research method that researchers use to gain a deep understanding of a complex issue.
observation
is divided into 2 approaches 1. Participant observation: occurs when the researcher immerses him/her self in the environment. 2. Non- participant observation: when the researcher observes the functioning of a group from a distance.
literature review
a piece of writing that is aimed at comparing and contrasting other peoples work.
research process
- planning for research
- conducting research
- interpreting research
planning for research
– formulating a research proposal
– managing resources
Formulating a research proposal
a research proposal should contain a ‘plan’ of the intended research, it should also contain; questions, research methods, time frame and a propose
managing resource
evaluate what resources you have available and that you develop a plan for managing and monitoring them. Include things like time, money and materials
conducting research
- accessing sources of data
- collecting and recording data
- documenting actions and issues
accessing sources of data
knowing how to access data and where to source it from is a vital tool. Such as goggle, Bing, Firefox
collecting and recording data
collecting; the process of understanding primary an secondary research, using blog posts, survey monkey and be free from bias. Recording; data effectively so you will be able to revisit it and use it during your analysis and interpretation.
documenting actions and issues
by keeping logs of everything that has happened you will be better able to not only organize your data but if something unforeseeable goes wrong, present ‘proof’ of everything that has occurred.
interpreting research
- presenting research findings
- analysing research result
- drawing conclusions from research
presenting research findings
(results) you present information in graphs, tables, textually etc.
analysing research results
involves breaking down your findings so you gain a better understanding of the bigger picture, you may analysis the data through common themes or issues
drawing conclusions from results
after analysising data you present your conclusion in a report. Conclusion is an over all answer to your question and has to address the hypothesis, the target audience and identity limitations.
defining technology
primitive technology: traditional or simple technologies, which include tools that are associated with survival, eg; farming tools
complex technology: technologies that are more complex with more parts, eg; computers
technology as hardware
physical device eg appliances, phones
technology as software
complex programs, software embedded into the hardware. eg databases, websites
technology as organisation of knowledge
modern day structuring and representation of knowledge and information. eg communications, media, internet, home entertainment
historical perspectives
- the digital revolution
- The information age
the digital revolution
began 1960’s-70’s digital technology includes mobile phones or the internet
positive: ability to communicate with family members and friends who live throughout the world
negatives: some individuals have become redundant
the information age
resulted in the rise in digital technology
positive: fast, worldwide knowledge
negatives: bad rumors, hackers, catfishing
reasons for the development of technology
- improve upon existing technology
- economic benefit
- consumer demand and human needs
- social betterment
- the goal community
- response to social problems
improving upon existing technology
continually enhancing the efficiency on already made technology
economic benefit
the technologies have led to improvements in efficiency and often entail some type of economic benefit for example banking can now be online
consumer demands and human needs
as technology becomes advanced and people become able to do more demand for new technology has increased, including upgrades
social betterment
we are able to communicate and function more frequently and effectively because of technology improvements, for example we can use technology to connect with family members and use machines like a dishwasher so we have more time for other things.
the goal community
communication has been made easy and instantaneous, for example conference meetings can now be held over skype instead of fighting to a different country to have the meeting
response to social problems
technological development have been very effective for aiding management and prevention of various social problems for example vaccinations.
factors affecting access to and acceptance of technology
AGGREEDC
age, culture, education, economic status, disability, gender, religion
age:
can influence an individual’s ability to access certain technologies and their willingness to accept new technologies.
culture
highly developed countries have greater access to technologies, cultures also influence acceptance of technologies.
education
allows individuals to develop the knowledge and skills to use and access technology. Greater use of technology in education encourages greater acceptance.
economic status
socioeconomic status will influence an individuals access to and acceptance of technology (if you can’t afford technology you wont accept it)
disability
a person that has a disability might use a special type of technology to help themselves, complete day to day tasks, this may enhance acceptance
geographical location
rural location has limited access to technologies however communication technologies are widely accepted
gender
gender related peer pressure social expectations, stereotypes and perceptions influence access to and acceptance of technology
religion
the religion that people follow or support definitely affect access and acceptance to types of technology
technologies and the family
- household technology
- information and communication technology
- entertainment technology
household technology
within the home we use a multitude of household technologies to help ourselves complete domestic chores, enjoy entertainment and undertake work-related tasks. Examples; dishwasher, dryer, washing machine, microwave, fridge.
information and communication technology
computers and communication technologies have a significant impact on interpersonal relationships as we now have access to a range of computer and communication-based technologies. Examples; mobile phone, Facebook
entertainment technology
we now have a range of visual and sound entertainment options we can access via television, a DVD player, a stereo, a radio and a computer. Entertainment can improve the quality of the home and are continuing to expand.eg, Wii, TV, Gameboy.
technologies and the community
- education and training
- transport and travel
- health and medicine
- food
- leisure and entertainment
education and training
has been transformed over the years, as is evident in the general layout. Example; smart boards, computers. Technology is heavily invested in the employment sector which helps people understand how to use new technology.
transport and travel
the technology development of transport based technologies has lead to an improvement in efficiency, safety, distance, comfort and environment impact. Cars now feature a range of technological features including Bluetooth. Advances have also been made in rail and air travel. People planning on travelling can access a range of applications to check in, see if its on time. GPS has made travel easier with people being able to find their way to destinations without requiring a map.
health and medicine
people rely on technology in order to provide medical treatment to the people who require it e.g., doctors using X-rays. Technology is also used to treat people with various health concerns e.g., carbon-fibre limbs are used as a replacement for missing limbs. Technology helps with the ongoing creation and development of medication e.g., a person with asthma requiring a ventilation puffer
food
technology has enabled scientists to research nutritional make up, ans asses food benefits. Because of this we are able to modify our eating patterns to best suit ourselves. Technology is also aimed at food process and packaging. Techniques such as chopping, mincing, cooking and baking can be applied to food in bulk
leisure and entertainment
such as Wii, Facebook made only possible by technology. Due to the growth of digital technology, the community is no longer the people we share an area with. A community may also be an online community such as Instagram, Facebook. Money is needed to take part in this area as communities engage in activities that are fun and exhilarating
technologies and the workplace
- Safety technology
- ICT
- structure of the workplace
- introduction of technology in the workplace.
Safety technology
refers to the types of technology that provides safety to employees, such as hazard signs, gloves, goggles, steal cap boots
information and communication technology
huge advancements because of the availability of the internet enabling gaining information and communicating so much easier. For example: in todays society, projects can be completed by a team of people who have never met, because they are able to communicate and share ideas by using technology. Applications including: Facebook, skype, web calling.
structure of the workplace
Every workplace is different and both employees and employers up to date with technological developments which are leading to changes in how people are completing their tasks and meeting their responsibilities.
structure of the workplace
- health and safety
- equipment
- efficiency
- flexibility
- education and training
health and safety
it is legal requirement that employers structure their workplace and work practices in a way that provides for a safe and healthy environment eg; no smoking signs, hair nets, wet floor mopping signs
equipment
Employers can find they are able to run their business more efficiently because they do not have to employ as many staff members and therefore do not have to pay as many wages. Eg; e-tags that have been replaced from stopping and giving money thru tolls.
efficiency
companies are now often developing technologies where the company’s main objective is improvement of efficiency. Eg; screwing toothpaste lids on the toothpaste would have then a lot more time than a new machine.
flexibility
because workers can complete tasks more easily as a result of technology advances, it is feasible for them and their employers to be more flexible at the workplace, eg; new mothers can work from home once a week so they can be with their child but also still being able to work and get money
education and training
at many workplaces throughout the world, employees are encouraged- if not compelled- to undertake a variety of technological training and education. Eg: word seminars for school teachers
introduction of technology into the workplace
When introducing a new piece of technology into the workplace, employees need to ensure they know he or she uses it as well as suiting/adapting it their responsibilities. If in an individual finds it hard to accept a new piece of technology-To avoid employer-employee conflict, all parties should maintain a positive attitude towards change and be open and willing to consider and adopt new and improved technologies
Issues related to information and communication technology
- privacy and safety
- security of information
- accuracy of information
- information overload
- Copyright
privacy and safety
Laws: exist for protecting people’s privacy in relation to collection, storage use and security of personal information.
Censorship: which looks at the suppression of information that is considered to be objectionable, sensitive or potentially harmful. Censoring of online content on behalf of various users is becoming increasingly important. For example, blocking websites (Facebook) for students so they do not become distracted.
security of information
various measures have been put in place in order to protect our security when we are using technology, especially when we are online.
accuracy of information
We are able to access information at any time. Sometimes the information is not always accurate, and a lot of the time, we have difficulty discerning what information is based on the facts and what information is based on bias or opinion. It is important we ensure that the sources of the information we access especially in relation to school assignments- are credible.
information overload
means having too many sources of information that involves conflicting views about the one issue. Being subjected to over-reporting about an issue, or having too many news stories can make it difficult to remain sensitive about various issues
Copyright
copyright infringement is certainly increasing with people taking other people’s work and representing it as their own. Many people are taking the information without adhering to the correct standards the right people dare not given credit for the work they have done. To target this problem, certain programs have come into play such as ‘turn it in’ which shows if you plagiarize other peoples work.
impact of emerging technologies
- ethics
- equity and access
- health and safety
- Economic
- Environmental
- education and learning
ethics
is associated with questioning whether something is morally right or wrong and its positive and negative effects on individuals, communities and environments. In relation to technology, the term is related to acceptance and recognition of developed technologies and their purpose and use in society.
equity and access
in relation to technology, not all developments are equally accessed by individuals or distributed evenly throughout communities. Individuals and groups have various levels of access to technologies, according to factors such as age, disability, education, culture, socioeconomic status, geographical location and gender.
health and safety
Positive: it is very easy for us to go online and use various search engines in order to promote our wellbeing, for example by reading blogs about workout regimens.
Negative: if we spend too much time using technology, we might suffer in all areas of our life; for example, if we spend too much time using ICT such as online gaming sites, we might lose interest in our social wellbeing and physical wellbeing.
Economic
Positive: they can also result in generation of jobs because emerging technology development is an ever growing industry.
Negative: can result in redundancy of traditional job roles in area such as factory work and farming.
Environmental
we use various technologies to enable ourselves to control our environment, for example; we might use electronic security systems to enhance our personal safety. To use the example of climate-control systems, people today are somewhat dependent on cooling and heating. Technology has improved the fuel efficiency of cars and polluting emissions have been minimized.
education and learning
These technologies are costly, including hardware, software, infrastructure, maintaining and training, and equity among the schools is a real issue. All people should be educated about how to use technology properly
