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Research Methods

Research Methods. David Rude, ITT. Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research. Qualitative

riley-preston
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Research Methods

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  1. Research Methods David Rude, ITT

  2. Qualitative Research vs Quantitative Research Qualitative Qualitative research is generally more subjective, as it relies on the gathering of information, such as research involving human behavior. Qualitative observations are often made through interviews, participant observation and passive observation. Quantitative Observing anything that can be measured, such as changes in size, color or number, is considered quantitative observation

  3. The Scientific Method The scientific method has four steps • 1. Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena. • 2. Formulation of an hypothesis to explain the phenomena. In physics, the hypothesis often takes the form of a causal mechanism or a mathematical relation.

  4. The Scientific Method, cont. • 3. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict quantitatively the results of new observations. • 4. Performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independent experimenters and properly performed experiments.

  5. “Commonsense” beliefs are often wrong • Researchers prefer scientific observation • Based on empirical evidence • Gained from direct observation. • First hand

  6. Bias: Bias is an inclination • to present or hold a partial • perspective at the expense • of ( possibly equally valid) • alternatives • Sticky Theory / ladder of assumption / The beliefs that stick due to preconceived notions, bias, and stereotyping. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1Hl1a3hmmM

  7. Final Project • Research Paper (done in pairs) • Calendar/timeline on syllabus • Topics to be selected today (day one) • Qualitative in scope

  8. Research questions •RQ should be feasible (can be investigated with available resources) •RQ should be clear (specifically define terms used…operational needed, but give both) •RQ should be significant (worth investigating; how does it contribute to field and who can use info)

  9. Qualitative research questions •The research questions usually begin with the words “what” or “how”. •Use exploratory verbs that convey the language of emerging design of research(e.g. discover, seek to understand, explore the process). • Does not often use words with directional orientation such as “affect”,“influence”, “impact”, “cause”, and “relate”.

  10. Research Topics • How has increased exposure to media violence increased deviant behavior among adolescents? • How has the fast food industry influenced the eating habits of poorer American families? • How effective is the current system of practices and institutions in California at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crimes? • How has increased use and access to the web increased the potential for Internet (and Gaming) Addiction?

  11. EXAMPLE: • How do the participant teachers and parents perceive home-school relationships? Sub questions: 1. What are the available means of communication between home and school? 2. Are parents and teachers satisfied with the current level of communication? 3. What kind of difficulties might influence the home-school communication process? 4. What efforts were made to overcome these difficulties and to support home-school communication? 5. Are there any variations among parents in terms of their communication with school? If so, how did they vary, and why? 6. How do the participant parents and teachers define their roles in supporting their children’s learning?

  12. In-class assignment ONE • Type a one page (two is fine) paper about your anticipated plan for researching your topic. • You can identify how you will use scientific inquiry and how you will guard against everyday assumptions. • In your story use as many of the vocabulary words from today’s list as you can. To receive credit for vocabulary you must underline the words. [example of writing in a way that defines the words] The project for Research Methods will require that I expand my empirical knowledge of my research topic through observation & research.

  13. Quantitative research questions In quantitative research investigators use research questions and hypotheses to specifically focus the purpose of the study. Hypotheses are predictions the researcher holds about the relationship among variables. Testing the hypotheses use statistical procedures in which the investigator draws inferences about the population from the study sample.

  14. Hypotheses • Are predictions about possible outcome of a study; sometimes several hypotheses from one RQRQ: Will athletes have a higher GPA that non-athletes? • H: Athletes will have higher GPAs that non-athletes • Advantages to stating a hypothesis as well as RQ Clarifies/focuses research to make prediction based on previous research/theory • Multiple supporting tests to confirm hypothesis strengthens it • Disadvantages Can lead to bias in methods (conscious or un) to try to support • hypothesisSometimesmiss other important info due to focus on hypothesis (peer review/replication is a check on this)

  15. Homework ONE • Create a WebQuest for your topic • Example: http://questgarden.com/51/22/4/070608090111/index.htm • Read Chapter One pages 1 - 11

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