The Nature of Research The Nature of Research What is the value of research ------- Why Research is of Value Ways of Knowing Types of Research General Research Types Critical Analysis of Research A Brief Overview of the Research Process What is the Value of Research Comprehensive Understanding Knowing or Understanding Directions to Pursue for Improvement Discover Possible Solutions Develop Appropriate Ways of Thinking about Problems and Solutions Create an Effective Vision Ways of Knowing Sensing Sharing information with others Being told something by an expert Logical reasoning Science The Scientific Method Identification of a problem or question Clarification of the problem (limits) Determination of information needed and the processes that will obtain it Organization of the information Interpretation of the results What is Educational /Business Research Definition -- The process through which we attempt to achieve systematically and with the support of data the answer to a question, the resolution of a problem, or a greater understanding of a phenomenon. Characteristics -- Originates with a question or problem -- Requires a clear articulation of a goal -- Follows a specific plan of procedure -- Divides the problem into manageable sub-problems -- Is guided by he specific research problem, question or hypothesis -- Requires the collection and interpretation of data in attempting to resolve the problem that initiated the research -- Accepts certain critical assumptions -- Follows a systematic cycle The Research Design Quantitative research -- Definition: An inquiry into social or human problem, based on testing a theory composed of variables, measured with numbers and analyzed -- With statistical procedures, in order to determine whether the predictive generalization of the theory hold true. -- Uses numbers rather than words -- Measures the degree of difference or significance of variables Qualitative research -- Definition: An inquiry process of understanding a social or human problem based on building a complex, holistic picture formed with words reporting detailed views of informants and conducted in a natural setting. -- Describes -- Non-numerical -- Measures the characteristics of people, objects, and events through triangulation Types of Research Quantitative Research -- Action Research -- Correlational Research -- Descriptive or Normative Research