Chapter 1: The Process
of Conducting Research
READING MATERIAL: JOHN W. CRESWELL
Scientific Method
1. Formulate a testable
hypothesis
2. Select the method and
design the study
3. Collect the data
4. Analyze the data and
draw conclusions
5. Report findings
Figure 2.1 A Simple Model of Scientific Research
in Psychology. Adapted from Research Methods in
Psychology by Price et al. 2017.
Step 1: Choosing a research question
Step 2: Conducting a literature review
Step 3: Making a hypothesis
Steps in the Step 4: Designing the study
Research Process Step 5: Conducting the study
Step 6: Analyzing the data
Step 7: Reporting the results
APA Style Step 1: Choosing a research question
Introduction Step 2: Conducting a literature review
Step 3: Making a hypothesis
Step 4: Designing the study
Method
Step 5: Conducting the study
Step 6: Analyzing the data
Results &
Discussion Step 7: Reporting the results
What is Research?
A systematic process of inquiry
◦ Uses logical steps to find answers
◦ Helps solve problems and generate knowledge
At a general level, research consists of three steps:
◦ 1. Pose a question.
◦ 2. Collect data to answer the question.
◦ 3. Present an answer to the question.
Importance of Research
Adds to knowledge
◦ Improves educational practice
◦ Informs policy decisions
◦ Addresses real-world problems
Six Steps in Research Process
Identify a research problem
◦ Review literature
◦ Specify purpose
◦ Collect data
◦ Analyze & interpret data
◦ Report & evaluate research
Quantitative Research
Uses numbers & statistics
◦ Tests theories
◦ Structured approach
◦ Large samples
Quantitative Research Characteristics
In quantitative research the major characteristics are:
◆ Describing a research problem through a description of trends or a need for an explanation of
the relationship among variables
◆ Providing a major role for the literature through suggesting the research questions to be asked
and justifying the research problem and creating a need for the direction (purpose statement and
research questions or hypotheses) of the study
◆ Creating purpose statements, research questions, and hypotheses that are specific, narrow,
measurable, and observable
◆ Collecting numeric data from a large number of people using instruments with preset
questions and responses
◆ Analyzing trends, comparing groups, or relating variables using statistical analysis, and
interpreting results by comparing them with prior predictions and past research
◆ Writing the research report using standard, fixed structures and evaluation criteria, and taking
an objective, unbiased approach
Qualitative Research
Explores meanings & experiences
◦ Uses interviews/observations
◦ Flexible design
◦ Smaller samples
Qualitative Research Characteristics
In qualitative research, we see different major characteristics at each stage
of the research process:
◆ Exploring a problem and developing a detailed understanding of a
central phenomenon
◆ Having the literature review play a minor role but justify the problem
◆ Stating the purpose and research questions in a general and broad way
so as to the participants’ experiences
◆ Collecting data based on words from a small number of individuals so
that the participants’ views are obtained
◆ Analyzing the data for description and themes using text analysis and
interpreting the larger meaning of the findings
◆ Writing the report using flexible, emerging structures and evaluative
criteria, and including the researchers’ subjective reflexivity and bias
Research Designs Associated with
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
Similarities
Both follow systematic steps
◦ Both aim to answer questions
◦ Both collect and analyze data
Differences
Quantitative = numerical
◦ Qualitative = descriptive
◦ Different data collection methods
Ethical Issues
Respect participants
◦ Ensure consent
◦ Protect privacy
◦ Report honestly
Research Skills Needed
Problem solving
◦ Critical thinking
◦ Writing skills
◦ Attention to detail
Conclusion
Research is a structured journey
◦ Both quantitative & qualitative approaches are valuable
◦ Ethics and skills are essential for success