Methodology Part 1

Summary

In this lecture, the focus is on Chapter 3, which covers research methodology, essential for the upcoming midterm exam. The speaker explains various research designs, including experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental types, and their application in different studies. Emphasis is placed on the use of future tense in proposals and aligning research methods with the study’s objectives. The lecturer also delves into qualitative and quantitative approaches, elaborating on concepts like rigor, trustworthiness, credibility, and bias, which are crucial for ensuring the validity and reliability of research findings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Future tense is essential for writing a proposal, particularly from Chapter 1 to Chapter 3, as it reflects actions that are yet to be done.
• 📚 Chapter 3 focuses on research methodology, which will guide the study and help develop the research proposal.
• 🔍 Research design is the blueprint of the study and should be clearly defined, including types like descriptive and correlational designs.
• ⚙️ Experimental research designs involve cause and effect, randomization, and control groups. Examples include post-test and pre-test designs.
• ❌ Quasi-experimental research lacks randomization but still has a control group, which differentiates it from true experimental designs.
• 🧑‍🔬 Non-experimental research lacks both randomization and control groups, and it often describes or correlates phenomena without establishing cause and effect.
• 🎯 Basic research aims to inform and make people aware, while applied research seeks to produce a tangible output, such as a program or policy.
• 📊 Quantitative research is objective and uses numbers, while qualitative research is subjective and focuses on experiences and feelings.
• 🔁 Deductive reasoning (quantitative) begins with a general idea and narrows down to specific conclusions, whereas qualitative research uses inductive reasoning to generalize from specific observations to broader themes.
• 💡 In qualitative research, rigor and trustworthiness are critical. Techniques like triangulation, member checking, and prolonged engagement ensure credibility and reliability of the results.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Chapter 3 in this lecture?

Chapter 3 focuses on the methodology, which serves as a guide for conducting the research, particularly for the proposal stage. It emphasizes the importance of using future tense throughout the manuscript.

What is the significance of using future tense in the research proposal?

The future tense is used because the research proposal is about plans or actions that have not yet been completed. This helps convey that the research is still in the planning or impending execution phase.

What are the three main types of research designs discussed in this chapter?

The three main types of research designs are experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental.

What distinguishes experimental research from quasi-experimental research?

Experimental research involves randomization and a control group, allowing for cause-and-effect claims. In contrast, quasi-experimental research includes a control group but lacks randomization.

Can you explain the difference between descriptive and correlational research designs?

Descriptive research focuses on describing a phenomenon, such as the level of mental readiness among nursing students, while correlational research looks at the relationship between two or more variables, such as knowledge, attitude, and practice.

What is the primary goal of applied research compared to basic research?

The primary goal of applied research is to generate outputs that can be used in real-world applications, such as creating a program or policy. Basic research, on the other hand, focuses on gathering knowledge and increasing awareness without immediate practical application.

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research in terms of data and analysis?

Quantitative research uses objective, numerical data to analyze trends and relationships, while qualitative research is more subjective, relying on verbal or written data to explore experiences, emotions, and feelings.

What is triangulation in qualitative research, and why is it important?

Triangulation refers to using multiple data sources or methods to verify the findings of a study. It increases the credibility and accuracy of the research results by cross-checking data from different perspectives.

What are the four key criteria for ensuring rigor and trustworthiness in qualitative research?

The four key criteria are credibility (believability of the data), confirmability (reducing researcher bias), dependability (consistency of results if the study is repeated), and transferability (how well results can apply to other contexts).

Why is prolonged engagement important in qualitative research?

Prolonged engagement helps build trust between the researcher and participants, allowing for richer, more detailed responses and ensuring that participants feel comfortable sharing their experiences.