RST2

Slide 1:

Tools of Research Chapter 2

Slide 2:

Research Tool vs Research Methodology Research Tool: A specific mechanism or strategy the researcher uses to collect, manipulate, or interpret data. Research Methodology: The general approach the researcher takes in carrying out the research project.

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The Six General Tools of Research The library and its resources The computer and its software Measurement techniques Statistics The human mind Language

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Four Scales of Measurement: Nominal Ordinal Interval Ratio

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Validity and Reliability of Measurement Validity = the extent to which a measurement instrument measures what it is intended to measure. Reliability = the consistency with which a measurement instrument yields a certain result when the entity being measured hasn’t changed.

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Statistics as a Tool of Research Principle Functions of Statistics: 1. describe the data, and 2. draw inferences from the data Descriptive Statistics summarize the general nature of the data obtained. Inferential Statistics help the researcher make decisions about the data.

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The Human Mind as a Tool of Research Critical Thinking Deductive Logic Inductive Reasoning The Scientific Method Theory Building

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Critical Thinking = evaluating arguments in terms of their accuracy and worth. May take a variety of forms: - verbal reasoning - argument analysis - decision making - critical analysis of prior research

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Deductive Logic: begins with one or more premises— statements or assumptions that the researcher initially takes to be true; valuablefor generating research hypotheses and testing theories.

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Inductive Reasoning: begins with an observation of a specific event to draw conclusions about entire classes of objects or events (i.e., observe a sample and then draw conclusions about the population from which the sample has been taken).

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The Scientific Method: the means whereby insight into the unknown is sought by 1. identifying a problem that defines the goal of one’s quest; 2. positing a hypothesis that, if confirmed, resolves the problem; 3. gathering data relevant to the hypothesis; and 4. analyzing and interpreting the data to see whether they support the hypothesis and resolve the research question.

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Theory Building: is based on facts rather than naïve beliefs and subjective impressions about the world: - involves thinking actively and intentionally about the phenomena at hand, - yields hypotheses to be tested, - tends to be a slow process, - usually involves collaboration with others.

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Language as a Tool of Research Language enables effective thinking. Words enhance thinking by: - reducing the world’s complexity, - allowing abstraction of the environment, - enhancing the power of thought, - facilitating generalization and inference drawing in new situations.

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Communicating Effectively Through Writing Say exactly what you mean. Keep your primary objective in mind at all times. Provide an overview of what you will be discussing. Organize ideas into general and more specific categories by using headings and subheadings. Use transitional phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to help readers follow your train of thought.

Communicating Effectively Through Writing, continued :

Communicating Effectively Through Writing, continued Use concrete examples to make abstract ideas more understandable. Use appropriate punctuation. Use figures and tables for clarification. At the end of chapters and major sections, summarize what you’ve said. Anticipate having to write multiple drafts.