Nature of Inquiry and Research

Nature of Inquiry and Research

Practical Research 1

Poll

As far as you remember, have you done any research?

• YES

• NO

Poll

Do you know how to do a research?

• YES

• NO

Poll

When was the last time you do a research?

• Just this week

• This month

• This year

• Last year

• I can't remember when

Open Ended

What kind of research have you done so far?

Definition of Research

Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that links an individual's speculation with the reality.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH IN DAILY LIFE

• The Research process helps the individual to foster skills such as critical thinking, organization, self-discipline, perseverance and teamwork

• The Research projects helps to give insights for better decisions, make sense of the social, natural and historical world

• The Research projects also helps start innovative technologies and solve practical problems

Characteristics of Research

• Empirical (timely)

• Logical (accurate)

• Cyclical (coherent)

• Analytical (systematic)

• Critical (ethical)

• Methodical (objective)

• Replicability (relevant)

Characteristics of a Researcher

• Intellectual Curiosity

• Prudence

• Healthy Criticism

• Intellectual Honesty

• Intellectual Creativity

Research Process

• Defining the Research Problem

• Reviewing the Literature

• Formulating a Hypothesis

• Preparing a Research Design

• Collecting Data and Data Analysis

• Verification and Hypothesis Testing

• Preparing the Project Report

Ethical Norms in Conducting a Research

• Honesty

• Obejctivity

• Integrity

• Caring

• Openness

• Carefulness

• Trustworthiness and Responsibility

Types of Research

• Basic or Pure Research

• Applied Research

• Developmental Research

Research Design

The research is subdivided in Qualitative and Quantitative. Both Research designs (a) are concerned with data reduction and the appropriateness of research methodologies to research questions, (b) seek to relate data analysis to published research studies and to ensure that no deliberate distortions occur, and (c) address the importance of transparency and the issue of error.

They differ in terms of their purposes, research instruments used, type of data collected, sampling technique, data analysis, and setting.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research aims to provide a detailed understanding of people’s beliefs, emotions, experiences, attitudes, behaviors, and interactions wherein nonnumerical data are generated. It is characterized as a naturalistic inquiry, humanistic, holistic perspective, interpretive, reflexivity, on-going data analysis, flexibility, an iterative process, an emergent design, and involves a purposeful selection of participants.

Qualitative Research

It is subdivided into narrative research, phenomenological research, ground theory, action research, case study, ethnographical research, historical research, critical qualitative research, qualitative content analysis, postmodern research, and a basic interpretative qualitative study. It is applied in the field of psychology, anthropology, sociology, political science, medicine, education, and business.