Chapter 17.ppt research methodologies and ethics

Research methods refer to the systematic approaches and techniques used to gather, analyze, and interpret data in a research study. The choice of research methods depends on the nature of the research question, the objectives of the study, and the available resources. Here are some common research methods used in different fields:

Experimental Research: This method involves the manipulation of variables in a controlled environment to establish cause-and-effect relationships. It typically includes the formulation of hypotheses, the design of experiments, data collection, and statistical analysis.

Surveys and Questionnaires: Surveys and questionnaires are used to collect data from a large number of participants. They typically consist of a set of structured questions aimed at gathering specific information. Surveys can be conducted through online platforms, telephone interviews, or in-person interactions.

Interviews: Interviews involve direct interaction with individuals or groups to gather qualitative or subjective data. They can be structured (with predefined questions) or unstructured (allowing for open-ended discussions). Interviews can be conducted face-to-face, over the phone, or through video conferencing.Observational Studies: Observational studies involve the systematic observation and recording of behaviors, events, or phenomena in their natural settings. Researchers can be passive observers or actively engage with the subjects being observed. Observational studies can be qualitative or quantitative in nature.

Case Studies: Case studies involve an in-depth examination of a particular individual, group, organization, or situation. They often combine multiple data collection methods, such as interviews, observations, and document analysis, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the case under investigation.

Content Analysis: Content analysis involves the systematic analysis of texts, documents, images, or other media to identify patterns, themes, or relationships. It is commonly used in fields such as social sciences, marketing, and media studies.

Experimental Simulations: In certain cases where conducting real experiments is not feasible or ethical, researchers may use computer simulations or modeling techniques to simulate the behavior of a system or phenomenon. This allows for the study of complex systems or scenarios under controlled conditions.

Meta-analysis: Meta-analysis involves the statistical synthesis of data from multiple studies to draw conclusions or identify patterns across a body of research. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing findings and can be particularly useful in fields with a large number of studies on a specific topic.

Mixed Methods Research: Mixed methods research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem. This involves collecting and analyzing both numerical data and textual or narrative data.

It is important

1. Writing a Research Report
Kumar: Research Methodology
Chapter 17
Prepared by Stephanie Fleischer
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

2. Topics covered
•Writing a research report
•Developing an outline
•Writing about a variable
•Different referencing systems
•Writing a bibliography
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

3. Writing a research report
•Last step in the research process is writing a
report to communicate the findings of the
study
•The report is what will be read by others
•Clear and logical
•Accurate and concise
•Developing a thematic draft outline
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

4. Developing an outline
•Dividing the report in different chapters
•Planning what goes into each chapter
•Geared towards the study and its objectives
•Chapter titles to reflect its content
•Content and methodology of each project is
different
•How will findings be communicated?
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

5. Structure of report outline
•Introduction and rational for the study
•Literature review
•Objectives of the study
•Methodology
•Findings and discussion
•Problems and limitations
•Conclusions and possible explanations /
recommendations
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

6. Writing about a variable
•Why is it important to study the variable? (This is about
providing a rationale for studying the variable)
•In the case of a cross-tabulation, what relationships
have other studies found between the variables that
will be analyzed? (This is where the literature review is
integrated into the findings of the study)
•What is the expected outcome between the two
variables? (Stating hypotheses)
•What has the study found out? (Reporting results, e.g.
as tables, graphs or text.)
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

7. Writing about a variable continued
•What does the data show? (Interpreting the
findings of the analysis)
•What conclusions can be drawn? How do the
conclusions drawn from this study compare with
those from similar studies in the past? Does the
study support or contradict them? (Linking results
to existing literature)
•What explanation can be provided for the
findings of the study? (Linking results to existing
theories)
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

8. Different referencing systems
•Adopting a referencing style that is used in the
field or area of interest for the research report
•There are different academic styles of
referencing:
–The short-title system
–The author-date system (Harvard system)
–The reference by number system (Vancouver
system)
–The author-number system
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014

9. Writing a bibliography
•Preferences according to disciplines or
university
•The most common ones are:
–Harvard system
–American psychological association system
–American Medical association system
–Mcgraw-Hillsystem
–Modern languages association system
–Footnote system
authored by Stephanie Fleisher © SAGE publications Ltd 2014

10. Summary
•The research report communicates the
findings of the research study
•Qualitative reports are written using a
descriptive and narrative style
•Quantitative reports are written in a
descriptive and analytical format
•Clearly and concisely written
authored by Stephanie Fleischer © SAGE publications Ltd
2014