Introduction to Research Methods

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS

WHAT IS RESEARCH?

Introduction to Research Methods

Investigation into a subject to improve knowledge and understanding

Dictionary definition:The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

www.oxforddictionaries.com

WHY RESEARCH?


• To learn about a subject• To test a theory or hypothesis• To improve knowledge• To make discoveries• To establish facts• To revise existing understanding• To test opinions

TYPES OF RESEARCH


• Primary Research – Quantitative – Qualitative

• Secondary Research

PRIMARY RESEARCH


Collecting original data and information, generated by yourself:• Surveys• Interviews• Focus group• Documentary photography• Observations• Experiments• Testing samples

SECONDARY RESEARCH


Collecting and analysing information or data produced by someone else:• Books• Magazines, newspapers and journals• Websites• Television and radio programmes• Films• Other digital sources• Exhibitions

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH


Collecting a high volume or large quantity of data:• Surveys and questionnaires• Large sample size• Structured - closed questions• Measurement• Numerical data• Structured observations

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH


Collecting descriptive data with greater depth:• Interviews• Focus groups• Discussions• Observations• Surveys with open-ended questions• Descriptive data

RESEARCH METHODS


• The process you use to conduct your research is called a research methodology

• You should use research methodology that is appropriate to your subject

• You should try to use a variety of sources and ensure that they are reliable (valid)

FIELD OF STUDY


• The subject area that you are studying

• Broadly defined• It is the main area to look for

sources of information

FOCUS


• The focus is within your field of study

• This is particular area you are concentrating your research on

• May be set by your tutors in relation to specific modules

• Can be defined by yourself • Helps to concentrate on research

sources that are most relevant

RESEARCH QUESTION


• Majority of research starts with a question

• This maybe a set by your tutors as an assignment

• It can be something you are interested in or want to find out about

• Indicates the focus of your research


• Analysis of your research question will help identify sources

• Always refer back to your research question

• Make sure you understand what is being asked

• Look up any words you don’t understand

BACKGROUND RESEARCH


• Sometimes you may need to do background research

• This maybe about your subject• This is called reading around

your subject• It maybe in another area related

to your subject• Helps you understand what you

are writing about• Important for providing context

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH METHODS

PLANNING



ORGANISATION



SOURCES



BIAS



DISCOURSE


Education

Introduction to Research Methods