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Methods of Research Study Material
Methods of Research Study Material
Citations:
Any scientific finding is usually to be assessed in relation to the theoretical
perspective from which it derives and to which it may contribute (Silvermann,
2000)
2. Review of related literature and its functions
The literature review is an integral part of the research process and makes
valuable contribution to almost every operational steps.
It provides a theoretical background to your study.
It helps you establish the links between what you are proposing to examines and
what has already been studied.
It enables you to show how your findings have contributed to the existing body of
knowledge in your profession.
It helps you to integrate your research findings into the existing body of
knowledge.
It can bring clarity and focus to your research problem
Improve your research methodology
Broaden your knowledge base in your research area
Contextualize your findings.
Four steps involved in conducting a literature review.
1. Searching for the existing literature in your area of study (books, journals,
the internet)
2. Reviewing the selected literature
3. Developing theoretical framework
4. Developing a conceptual framework.
a. Descriptive research
In descriptive research, the researcher makes an attempt to comprehend the
different characteristics of the study group or a phenomenon. For this, the
researcher can use many research methods such as surveys, interviews,
observational method, case studies, etc. Through each method, the researcher
can gather different types of data which will enhance his understanding of the
study group
Describes what is sometimes known as non-experimental research.
It deals with the relationship between variables.
The testing of hypotheses and the development of generalizations,
principles or theories that have universal validity.
Investigates phenomena in their natural setting and involve measurement,
classification, analysis, comparison and interpretation.
Classified into three categories survey studies, interrelationship studies
and developmental studies.
This type of research describes what exists and may help to uncover new
facts and meaning.
Purpose is to observe, describe and document.
Collection of date that will provide an account or description of individuals,
groups or situations.
Instruments use to obtain data include questionnaires, interviews (closed
questions) observations (checklist)
Citations:
Purpose is to observe, describe and document aspects of a situation as it
naturally occurs (Polit &Hungler 1999)
b. experimental research
Experimental research is a research where the variables are manipulated by
the researcher to arrive at conclusions or come across findings. Unlike in the
case of descriptive research, in experimental research, the focus is not on
describing the population; testing the hypothesis is the main focus. There are
different types of experiments such as quasi-experiments, single subject
study, correlation study, etc.
Describes what will be when certain variables are carefully controlled or
manipulated.
The focus is on variable relationship whenever an independent variable
can be manipulated an experimental approach can be used.
Provides for much control and therefore establishes a systematic and
logical association between manipulated factors and observed effects.
Four essential characteristics of experimental research are control,
manipulation, observation and replication.
an attempt to maintain control over all factors that may affect the result of
an experiment. In doing so attempts to determine or predict what may
occur.
Enables the researcher to test his hypothesis by reaching valid
conclusions about relationships between independent and dependent
variables.
Steps involved in conducting an experimental study
1. Identify and define the problem
2. Formulate hypothesis and deduce their consequences
3. Construct an experimental design that represents all the elements, conditions,
and relations of the consequences
4. Conduct the experiment
5. Compile raw date and reduce to usable form
6. Apply an appropriate test of significance.
What is the difference between Descriptive and Experimental Research?
Independent variables are the variables that the experimenter changes to test
their dependent variable.
A scientist is testing the effect of light and dark on the behavior of moths by
turning a light on and off. The independent variable is the amount of light and the
moth's reaction is the dependent variable.
In a study to determine the effect of temperature on plant pigmentation, the
independent variable (cause) is the temperature, while the amount of pigment or
color is the dependent variable (the effect).
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
A scientist is testing the effect of light and dark on the behavior of moths by
turning a light on and off. The independent variable is the amount of light and the
moth's reaction is the dependent variable. A change in the independent variable
(amount of light) directly causes a change in the dependent variable (moth
behavior).
You are interested in learning which kind of chicken produces the largest eggs.
The size of the eggs depends on the breed of chicken, so breed is the
independent variable and egg size is the dependent variable.
The word count of problem statement for a thesis or dissertation should be in range of
150-300 words. The problem statement in any research therefore includes four
important segments i.e.
1. Background of the Problem: Here you can reflect on facts related to the problem
to make the reader understand about the gravity of the problem.
2. Anchor: How one needs to resolve this problem in the research paper.
3. General problem: How is impacts a larger population.
4. Specific problem: How it impacts your sample population.
Quite often students are not able to frame their problem statement properly as they miss
out on one or the other component or get confused on what to include or not. Most
common problems which are observed have been highlighted below which will improve
your ability to write problem statement:
b. Conceptual framework
In case of quantitative research, the researcher defines the research problem and
key variables which will be used to resolve the problem. However, in case of
qualitative research inductive position is applicable wherein the researcher
seeks to build up theory. In such a situation, existing theories can be misleading
and therefore the conceptual framework emerges after the research is complete.
However, here I should point out that researchers generally have an idea of
what will feature in the study which could be treated as a tentative framework
which would give an idea, however can be changed over the period of time.
1. Identify the key variables used in the subject area of your study.
2. Draw out key variables within something you have already written about the
subject area i.e. literature review.
3. Take one key variable and then brainstorm all the possible things related to the
key variable.
4. After all the variables have been defined, focus on number of relationships they
can form with each other to determine the inter-relationships between all.
It can be presented in the form of; flow diagrams, tree diagrams, mind maps or even
shape based diagrams. Below are some examples for better understanding:
Flow chart
Tree diagram
Conceptual framework is essential to bring focus within the content and also acts as a
link between literature, methodology and results.
Research Design
What is research design? How is the term `research design' to be used in this book? An
analogy might help. When constructing a building there is no point ordering materials or
setting critical dates for completion of project stages until we know what sort of building
is being constructed. The rst decision is whether we need a high rise ofce building, a
factory for manufacturing machinery, a school, a residential home or an apartment
block. Until this is done we cannot sketch a plan, obtain permits, work out a work
schedule or order materials.