Practical Research
Research Methods, Data Collection, and Analysis
In This Lesson
The Research Process
What is Research?
A systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to increase understanding of a topic or issue. It follows the scientific method.
Steps in the Research Process
- Identify the Problem: What do you want to find out?
- Review Literature: What is already known?
- Formulate Hypothesis: What do you predict?
- Design Research: How will you study it?
- Collect Data: Gather information
- Analyze Data: Process and interpret
- Draw Conclusions: What did you find?
- Report Findings: Share results
Research Problem
A clear statement of what you want to investigate.
- Should be specific and focused
- Researchable (can be studied)
- Relevant and significant
- Feasible within constraints
Hypothesis
An educated guess about the relationship between variables.
- Null (H₀): No relationship exists
- Alternative (H₁): Relationship exists
- Must be testable
Types of Variables
- Independent Variable: The cause; what researcher manipulates
- Dependent Variable: The effect; what is measured
- Control Variable: Kept constant to avoid interference
Quantitative Research
What is Quantitative Research?
Research that focuses on collecting numerical data and analyzing it using statistical methods. It seeks to quantify and measure phenomena objectively.
Characteristics
- Uses numbers and statistics
- Large sample sizes
- Objective and generalizable
- Tests hypotheses
- Structured data collection
Quantitative Designs
- Experimental: Manipulates variables, has control group
- Quasi-Experimental: No random assignment
- Correlational: Examines relationships between variables
- Survey: Collects data from sample using questionnaires
- Descriptive: Describes characteristics of population
Sampling Methods
Probability Sampling:
- Simple Random
- Stratified Random
- Cluster
- Systematic
Non-Probability Sampling:
- Convenience
- Purposive
- Snowball
- Quota
Qualitative Research
What is Qualitative Research?
Research that focuses on exploring and understanding the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. It uses non-numerical data.
Characteristics
- Uses words and meanings
- Smaller sample sizes, in-depth
- Subjective, interpretive
- Explores and generates theories
- Flexible data collection
Qualitative Designs
- Phenomenology: Lived experiences of individuals
- Ethnography: Culture of a group, participant observation
- Grounded Theory: Develops theory from data
- Case Study: In-depth study of single case
- Narrative: Stories and personal accounts
Data Collection Methods
- Interviews: Structured, semi-structured, unstructured
- Focus Groups: Group discussions on specific topic
- Observations: Watching and recording behavior
- Document Analysis: Examining texts and artifacts
Quantitative vs. Qualitative
| Aspect | Quantitative | Qualitative |
|---|---|---|
| Data | Numbers | Words, images |
| Sample | Large | Small |
| Analysis | Statistical | Thematic |
| Goal | Test hypotheses | Explore meanings |
Data Collection & Analysis
Data Collection Instruments
- Questionnaire: Written set of questions
- Interview Guide: Questions for oral interviews
- Observation Checklist: List of behaviors to observe
- Tests: Standardized or researcher-made
- Rating Scales: Likert scale (1-5)
Quantitative Analysis
Descriptive Statistics:
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Standard Deviation
- Frequency Distribution
Inferential Statistics:
- T-test, ANOVA
- Correlation, Regression
- Chi-square
Qualitative Analysis
- Thematic Analysis: Identify patterns and themes
- Content Analysis: Systematic coding of content
- Coding: Assign labels to data segments
- Memo Writing: Record analytical thoughts
Validity & Reliability
Validity:
Does it measure what it claims to measure?
Reliability:
Are results consistent and repeatable?
Ethics in Research
- Informed Consent: Participants know what's involved
- Confidentiality: Protect participant identity
- No Harm: Minimize risks to participants
- Voluntary: Right to withdraw anytime
- Honesty: Report findings accurately