Week 4 - research Flashcards
What is research defined by dictionary.com!
Diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject
It is the worlds biggest industry.
What are some traits of good researchers?
- Enthusiasm
- Open mindedness
- Common sense
- Role taking ability - researchers should think as a consumer and critic of their research, not just the generator of research
- Inventiveness - availability to develop sounds hypotheses and designs. Solve problems of obtaining funding, space etc
- Confidence in one’s own judgement
- Consistency and care about details
- Ability to communicate
- Honesty
What are the phases of research?
Idea-generating phase
Problem- definition phase
Procedures- design phase
Observation phase
Data- analysis phase
Interpretation phase
communication phase
What are some aspects of the idea generating phase?
Read literature of interest, deduce hypothesis from existing theory, apply existing ideas to new phenomenon, think about variables, imagine what would happen if a factor were reduced to zero in a specific situation.
What’s involved in the problem definition phase?
Develop TESTABLE hypotheses- precious research, own ideas an speculations
Hypothesis must be SPECIFIC
What’s involved in procedures design phase
What is typically rehearsed as “research methods”
What are the variables, what will be measured, manipulate, who will be tested?
What’s the observation phase
Doing the research. May begin with pilot study.
What’s the data analysis phase?
Apply statistical methods that were identified in design phase
What is typically regarded as statistics
Interpretation phase
Inductive process
Data informing what answer is provided to hypothesis, how does data contribute to existing knowledge
Communication phase
Presentation at scientific meetings
Publication of research in peer reviewed journals. Must be detailed, clear and concise and must be able to be REPLICATED
Substance and style
They’re complementary to each other
Substance =what
Style =how
To communicate successfully we need both
Why do we need style?
- Style helps to get your message across
- Adherence to a style gains trust
- Style makes reading enjoyable
When was APA style first used
1929 - used by many journals for empirical research.
What are the aims of APA style?
Quickly identify key points, full disclosure with minimal distraction, efficiently and effect express quantitative results, report accurately and with respect for participants, adopt a consistent structure for punctuation and referencing . Focuses on IMRaD.
Abstracts summarise key points, have article history and keywords, first person use.
Solid curves represent estimated trend, dashes represent 95% confidence intervals.
In discussion section, include limitations.
What does APA say about writing?
Less is more Use sound structure and organisation Aim for continuity of expression Write economically (omit needless words) Avoid jargon Write in first person Use the active voice Avoid biased language
