Introduction to Research
Transcript of Introduction to Research
Topic Outline
What research is notWhat research isDistinct characteristics of
researchThe research cycleChecklist in evaluating
research Tools of research
What is not researchResearch is not mere
information gathering.Research is not mere
transformation of facts from one location to another.
Research is not merely rummaging for information.
What is research? Research is a systematic
process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data in order to increase our understanding of a phenomenon we are interested or concerned
Distinct characteristicsResearch originates with a question
orResearch requires clear articulation
of a goal.Research requires a specific plan for
proceeding.Research usually divides a principal
problem into more manageable sub-problems.
What is research (cont)Research is guided by the specific research
problem, question or hypothesis.Research accepts certain critical assumptionsResearch requires the collection and
interpretation of data in an attempt to resolve the problem that initiated the research.
Research is, by its nature, clyclical or, more exactly, helical.
Research originates with a question
Examples:Are Filipinos well nourished?What do streetchildren eat in a day?
Why are there thin and fat students?
How does diabetes develop in overweight children?
….requires clear articulation of a goal
What problem do you want to solve? Malnutrition? i.e., micronutrient deficiency, PEM, overnutrition
Improve food quality? Change behavior? Practice breastfeeding,
Improve nutrition compliance to diet?
…requires a specific plan
Not groping in the dark to find a solution
A planned discovery with outlined steps for attacking the problem
design of study specific to get relevant data
…divides problem into sub-problemsMain problem divided to into more manageable
problems that will answer the main problemExample:
Main problem : “How do you go to Manila?”Sub-problems :
What are the ways to go there?What is the most convenient transportation? How much will it cost to travel by these
routes?How long will the trip last?
… guided by specific research problems, questions and hypothesisA hypothesis is a logical supposition , a
reasonable guess, an educated conjecture that provides a tentative explanation for the phenomenon under investigation. It can also provide information in resolving the specific problem and in the process, the main research problem.
Ex. If you switch on the lamp and it does light what is your guess as to the reason why it does not light?
… accepts certain critical assumptions
Assumptions are similar to axioms in geometry – self –evident truths -the sine non qua of research. They must be valid for the research to be meaningful.
For example, if a research wants to evaluate the knowledge gained from a nutrition education class, one assumption would be regular attendance to the class of participants.
… requires collection and interpretation of data to resolve problem initiated
Data collected based on objectives or research questions
Data collected becomes meaningful when it is interpreted correctly
Methodology of the project controls how data are to be collected, arranged, synthesized and interpreted
… research by nature is cyclical, or helical
Follows logical developmental steps:Questioning mind asks “why?”One question becomes the problemProblem divided into simpler sub-problemsPreliminary data gatheredData seem to point to alternative solutionData collected more systematicallyData are processedDiscovery is madeHypothesis supported or not
the research process
ChecklistQuestions to consider when evaluating
research In what source did you find the article? Was it
reviewed by experts in the field before publication?
Does the article have a stated research question or problem? Or, can you determine the focus of the work?
Does the article describe the collection of data, or does it synthesize other studies in which data were collected?
ChecklistQuestions to consider when evaluating
researchIs the article logically organized and easy
to follow? Does the article contain that outlines and
reviews previous studies? In what way is this relevant to the research problem?
Are the procedures clear enough that you could repeat the work and get similar results?
How were the data collected and how were they analyzed? Do you agree with what was done?
Do you agree with the interpretation of results?
Reflect on the entire article. What, for you is most important? What are interesting? What are the strengths and weaknesses? Will you remember the article in the future?
Checklist
Tools of researchA tool is a specific mechanism or
strategy that researchers use to collect, manipulate or interpret data
Not to equate tools of research with methodology
A methodology is the general approach that a researcher takes in carrying out the research process
Six general tools of research
Library and its resourcesComputer and softwareTechniques of measurementStatisticsThe human mindLanguage
The libraryCard catalogIndexes and abstractsReference librarianBrowsing the shelves
The computer and its softwareThe internet and World Wide
WebElectronic mail
Measurement as a tool of research
Measurement is limiting the data of any phenomenon- substantial or insubstantial – so that those data maybe interpreted and compared to acceptable qualitative or quantitative standard.
Four scales of measurement of data Nominal, ordinal, interval , ratio
Summary of measurement scalesMeasurement scale
Characteristic of the scale
Statistical possibilities of the scale
Nominal scale
Measures names or designation of discrete units or categories
Determines mode, percentage value, or the chi-square
Ordinal scale Measures ranking, values of more or less , larger or smaller, but without specifying the size of the intervals
Determines the median, percentile rank and rank correlation
Interval scale
Measures equal interval or degrees of difference but the zero point is arbitrarily established
Determines the mean, standard deviation and product moment correlation, allows conduct of inferential statistical analysis
Ratio scale Measures in terms of equal intervals and with absolute zero
Enables determination of the geometric mean and percentage variation; allows one to conduct any statistical analysis
Validity and reliability of measurement instrument
Validity – extent to which the instrument measures what it is supposed to measure
Reliability – the consistency with which a measuring instrument yields a certain result when the entity being measured has not changed.
Both validity and reliability reflect the degree to which we may have error in measurements
Statistics
Function of statistics in research:Describe the data (descriptive
statistics)Draw inferences from the data
(inferential statistics)
The human mindStrategies used by the human mind to
discover the unknownDeductive logic - reasoning that begins with a
premise (assumptions, widely accepted “truths” then to the conclusion; useful for generating hypothesis and testing theories.
Inductive reasoning – begins with an observation from where conclusions are drawn ; observe sample and draw generalization to the population
The human mind (cont)Scientific method – method where insight
into the unknown is made by 1) identifying a problem that defines the goal , 2) states the hypothesis that when confirmed, resolves the problem , 3) gathering data relevant to the hypothesis, 4) analyzing and interpreting data to see if data supported the hypothesis nor not; also uses both deductive and inductive reasoning
The human mind (cont)Critical thinking - involves evaluating
information or argument in terms of accuracy and worth; it may involve:Verbal reasoningArgument analysisDecision makingCritical analysis of prior research
Collaboration with others
LanguageEnables us not only to communicate but also
to think more effectivelyUse of language in writing is important in
research.Advantage of writing down ideas
Identifies specific ideas known and not known about the topic
Clarifies and organizes thoughts sufficiently to communicate to readers
Detect gaps and logical flaws in thinking
Writing to communicateSay what you mean to sayKeep primary objective in writing and focus
discussion accordinglyProvide overview of what will be discussedOrganize ideas from general to specific using
headings and subheadingsProvide transitional phrase, sentences or
paragraphs to help readers follow your train of thought.
Writing to communicate (cont)Use concrete examples to make abstract
ideas understandableUse appropriate punctuationUse tables and figures to organize ideas
and findings.,Summarize what was said at the
conclusion of the paperAnticipate revision of draft of report.
What research is and is notCheck list in the conduct of researchResearch uses different tools
Summary