Research Methods chapter 1
methods of acquiring knowledge
are ways in which a person can know things or discover answers to questions
Method of Tenacity
information is accepted as true because it has always been believed or because superstition supports it
Method of Intuition
information is accepted on the basis of a hunch or "gut feeling"
Method of Authority
a person relies on information or answers from an expert in the subject area
Method of Faith
is a variant of the method of authority in which people have unquestioning trust in the authority figure, and, therefore, accept information from the authority without doubt or challenge
Rational Method
seeks answers by the use of logical reasoning
premise statements
describe facts or assumptions that are presumed to be true
argument
is a set of premise statements that are logically combined to yield a conclusion
The Empirical Method
uses observation or direct sensory experience to obtain knowledge
Step 1: Observe Behavior or Other Phenomena
Step 2: Form a Tentative Hypothesis
Step 3: Use a Hypothesis to Generate a Testable Prediction \\
Step 4: Evaluate Prediction by Making Systematic, Planned observation
Step 5: Use observations to support, refute, or refine the original hypothesis
The Steps of the Scientific Method
Induction or Inductive Reasoning
involves using a relatively small set of specific observations as the basis for forming a general statement about a larger set of possible observations
Variables
are characteristics or conditions that change or have different values for different individuals.
hypothesis
is a statement that describes or explains a relationship between or among variables. a proposal to be tested and evaluated
Deduction
uses a general statement as the basis for reaching a conclusion about specific examples
Scientific method
is a method of acquiring knowledge that uses observations to develop a hypothesis, and then uses the hypothesis to make logical predictions that can be empirically tested by making additional, systematic observations.
Quantitative Research
is based on measuring variables for individual participants to obtain scores, usually numerical values, that are submitted to statistical analysis for summary and interpretation
Qualitative Research
is based on making observations that are summarized and interpreted in a narrative report
Step 1: Find a Reseach Idea
Step 2: Form a Hypothesis
Step 3: Determine How You Will Define and Measure Variables
Step 4: Identify Participants or Subjects for Study
Step 5: Select a Research Strategy
Step 6: Select a Research Design
Step 7: Conduct the Study
Step 8: Evaluate Data
Step 9: Report the Results
Step 10: Refine or Reformulate Research Idea
Steps in the Research Process
Participants
individuals who take part in research studies if they are human