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The Nature of Research

Chapter One

The Nature of Research

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What is Research?
n

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.

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How Does One Obtain Information?

n

People do the following to obtain information:

n Consult experts
n Review books and articles
n Question/observe colleagues
n Rely on past experience
n Use intuition
Using scientific research provides another way to
obtain information
n
n

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Information is reliable and accurate

Allows an understanding of why research is valuable

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28/09/16

Ways of Knowing (Figure 1.1)

Ways of Knowing That Things Exist

n
n
n
n
n

Sensory Experience
Agreement/Sharing with Others
Expert Opinion
Logical Reasoning
The Scientific Method

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The Scientific Method

n

Testing 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:
n
n
n
n
n

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State the problem

Define the purpose of the study
How to gather the information
How to organize and analyze the information obtained
How the information is interpreted

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The Chaos Theory

n

A major principle from the 1970s that

emphasizes the rarity of general laws, and
states that if the data base is large enough,
repeated patterns can be discovered and
used, even when the conditions are chaotic.
Even with highly complex data, predictability
exists if patterns can be found across time.

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28/09/16

Types of Research
n

Research is the formal, systematic application of scholarship,

disciplined inquiry, and most often the Scientific Method to the study
of problems.
Research methodologies include:
Experimental research
Correlational research
Causal-comparative research
Survey research

Experimental Research
n
n

Ethnographic research
Historical research
Action research

n
n

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Most 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 tested
The dependent variable: What is the outcome (i.e.,
score)

Single Subject Research is another form of

Experimental Research.

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Example of Experimental Research Results (Figure 1.2)

Correlational Research
n

n
n

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Examines 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.

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28/09/16

Is this Assumption Correct? (Figure 1.3)

Causal-Comparative Research
n

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Determines 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.

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Survey Research
n

Obtains data to determine specific characteristics

of a group.
Variety of survey techniques exist, such as:
n
n

Descriptive: asks same set of questions (i.e., interview)

Open-ended questions

There are 3 difficulties involved with survey

research:
n
n
n

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Ethnographic Research
n
n

A form of Qualitative Research

Emphasizes 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.

Ensuring that questions are clear and not misleading

Getting participants to answer questions honestly
Getting enough questionnaires back so valid interpretations
can be made

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28/09/16

Historical Research
n
n
n

Another 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.

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Action Research
Differs from previously discussed
methods in two ways:

1)

2)

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Critics raise philosophical, linguistic,

ethical, and political concerns such as:
n Question

of
of
n Question of
n Question of
n Question

Anything taken for granted before being tested

n Question

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Reality
Communication
Values
Unstated Assumptions

of Societal Consequences

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researchers 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.
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The Research Process

Critical Analysis of Research

n

Generalizations to other persons, settings, or

situations is of minimal importance

The schematic components of research

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

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28/09/16

The Research Process (Figure 1.4)

The Research Process

(cont.)
Review of Literature: past or current studies
that are relevant to the study
n Sample: subjects of the study
n Instrumentation: what will be used to
measure or collect data
n Procedures: step-by-step directions, outlining
what will occur from beginning to end
n Data Analysis: statistical procedure to analyze
and explain the data
n

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2006 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.