Research Methods by Dr. Zulu Davy Wadula - HSMP 4330-unza

Research Methods HSMP 4330 Dr. Zulu Davy Wadula Adapted from KINE 5300 Notes Definitions of Research The main goal of research is the gathering and interpreting of information to answer questions (Hyllegard, Mood, and Morrow, 1996). Research is a systematic attempt to provide answers to questions (Tuckman, 1999). Research may be defined as the systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles, or theories, resulting in prediction and possible control of events (Best and Kahn, 1998). Research is a systematic way of asking questions, a systematic method of inquiry (Drew, Hardman, and Hart, 1996). Development of Research Skills Learning how to conduct good research: New skills (that many people do not have) Better understanding and interpretation of the literature Recognize new questions that need investigation Objectivity is the key element of research Search for Truth Five sources of evidence in the pursuit of truth: Custom and tradition Authority Personal experience Deductive reasoning Scientific inquiry Deductive Reasoning A.k.a., Logic. In deductive reasoning, thinking proceeds from general assumption to specific application GENERAL  SPECIFIC Aristotle and other early philosophers Drawing conclusions through categorical syllogism. All philosophers are moral. Socrates is a philosopher. Therefore, Socrates is moral. Resistance training makes one big and bulky by increasing body mass. Sandi is resistance training. Therefore, Sandi will become big and bulky. Not sufficient as a source of new truth Inductive Reasoning Conclusions about events (general) are based on information generated through many individual and direct observations (specific). SPECIFIC  GENERAL Researchers observe an individual or group of individuals from a larger population  based on these observations, generalizations are made back to the larger population. Inductive Reasoning Two kinds of induction: Perfect Conclusions based on observations made from ALL members of a group or population Imperfect Conclusions based on observations made from a random sample of members of a population Deductive vs. Inductive Reasoning Deductive: Every mammal has lungs. All rabbits are mammals. Therefore, every rabbit has lungs. Inductive: Every rabbit that has been observed has lungs. Therefore, every rabbit has lungs. The Scientific Method Systematic; cyclic; series of logical steps. Identifying the problem Formulating a hypothesis Developing the research plan Collecting and analyzing the data Interpreting results and forming conclusions Identifying the Problem First, and arguably the most important, step Several sources Theoretical basis Professional practice Personal experience Shear curiosity Starts as a broad question that must be narrowed Problem statement; experimental approach to the problem; etc. Identifying the Problem Three categories when selecting a research problem Those who know precisely what they want to do and have a well conceived problem Those who have many interest areas and are having difficulty deciding exactly what they want to study Those who do not have any idea about a worthwhile research problem Philosophy of Graduate Education MENTORSHIP! Work with a professor/researcher that has established a research agenda Formulating a Hypothesis Hypothesis: A belief or prediction of the eventual outcome of the research A concrete, specific statement about the relationships between phenomena Based on deductive reasoning 2 types of hypotheses: Null hypothesis (HO) All is equal; no differences exist Alternative (research) hypothesis (HA) Usually specific and opposite to the null Developing the Research Plan A strategy must be developed for gathering and analyzing the information that is required to test the hypotheses or answer the research question Four parts: Selection of a relevant research methodology Identification of subjects or participants Description of the data-gathering procedures Specification of the data analysis techniques Pilot studies, IRB,…all must be determined in advance! Collecting and Analyzing the Data Following all the pre-determined protocols Time in the lab collecting data Analyzing the composite data Controlling the environment Easiest part of the process… However, sometime the most time-consuming part of the process… Interpreting Results and Forming Conclusions DATA ANALYSIS IS NOT AN END IN ITSELF! Does the evidence support or refute the original hypotheses? Accept or reject the hypotheses Conclusions should be drawn: Develop new hypotheses to explain the results Inferences are typically made beyond the specific study New Questions Arise Results Interpreted Data Collected Question Identified Hypotheses Formed Research Plan Closed-loop conceptualization of the research process (Drew, Hardman, and Hart, 1996) …