What is Research?A systematic and organized effort to investigate a specific problem that needs a solution.A series of steps designed and followed, with the goal of finding answers to the issues that are of concern to us in the work environment.

How Does One Obtain Information?People do the following to obtain information:Consult expertsReview books and articlesQuestion/observe colleaguesRely on past experienceUse intuitionUsing scientific research provides another way to obtain informationInformation is reliable and accurateAllows an understanding of why research is valuable

Ways of Knowing That Things Exist

Sensory ExperienceAgreement/Sharing with OthersExpert OpinionLogical ReasoningThe Scientific Method

Ways of Knowing (Figure 1.1)

Way to conduct research;The Scientific MethodTesting ideas in the public arena by formulating a hypothesis (a tentative, testable assertion about certain behaviors, phenomena, or events) within a rigorous format.Must be reproducible and described in sufficient detail through 5 distinct steps:State the problemDefine the purpose of the studyHow to gather the informationHow to organize and analyze the information obtainedHow the information is interpreted

Types of ResearchResearch is the formal, systematic application of scholarship, disciplined inquiry, and most often the Scientific Method to the study of problems. Research methodologies include: 1 (Quantitative method) 2 ( Qualitative method)

Descriptive /survey research grounded theory designExperimental researchEthnographic researchCorrelational researchHistorical researchCausal-comparative researchAction research3.Mixed method ( Quantitative and Qualitative)

Experimental ResearchMost conclusive of all scientific methods.The researcher establishes treatments and studies the effects, which can lead to clear interpretations.The independent variable: What is being testedThe dependent variable: What is the outcome (i.e., score)Single Subject Research is another form of Experimental Research.

Example of Experimental Research Results (Figure 1.2)

Correlational ResearchExamines a relationship among two or more variables; looks for a cause and effect.Can help make more intelligent predictions.This approach requires no manipulation or intervention, except to administer the instrument.Used when you want to look for and describe relationships that may exist naturally.

Is this Assumption Correct? (Figure 1.3)

Causal-Comparative ResearchDetermines the cause for, or consequences of, differences between groups of people.Interpretations are limited due to the fact that the investigator can not say conclusively whether a particular factor is a cause for or a result of a behavior.Differences may occur, but the investigator will not be able to say for sure what caused the difference.

Survey ResearchObtains data to determine specific characteristics of a group.Variety of survey techniques exist, such as:Descriptive: asks same set of questions (i.e., interview)Open-ended questionsThere are 3 difficulties involved with survey research:Ensuring that questions are clear and not misleadingGetting participants to answer questions honestlyGetting enough questionnaires back so valid interpretations can be made

Ethnographic ResearchA form of Qualitative ResearchEmphasizes documenting or portraying the everyday experiences of individuals by observing and interviewing them in a naturalistic setting.Data can include descriptions, audiotapes, video footage, flowcharts showing relationships, etc.

Historical ResearchAnother form of Qualitative Research.Some aspect of the past is studied.Data is collected and evaluated objectively in order to establish whether causes, effects, or trends of a past event may explain present or future events or occurrences.The major problem with this research is the question of using an event or time sequence as a true outcome.

Action ResearchDiffers from previously discussed methods in two ways:Generalizations to other persons, settings, or situations is of minimal importanceresearchers focus on getting information that will enable them to change conditions in a particular situation (i.e., identifying methods to improve special ed services at a school)Subjects become active members of the research process by collecting data, etc.

Critical Analysis of ResearchCritics raise philosophical, linguistic, ethical, and political concerns such as:Question of RealityQuestion of CommunicationQuestion of ValuesQuestion of Unstated AssumptionsAnything taken for granted before being testedQuestion of Societal Consequences

The Research Process

The schematic components of research are as follows:Statement of the problem: description of the background and rationale for performing the studyHypothesis: prediction of what is expected to occur, or relationship expected between the variables (factors being considered)Definitions: key terms in the problem statement

The Research Process(cont.)

Review of Literature: past or current studies that are relevant to the studySample: subjects of the study Instrumentation: what will be used to measure or collect dataProcedures: step-by-step directions, outlining what will occur from beginning to endData Analysis: statistical procedure to analyze and explain the data

The Research Process (Figure 1.4)