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Introduction to Research Methods
Investigation into a subject to improve knowledge and understanding
Dictionary definition:The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.
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Introduction to Research Methods
• To learn about a subject• To test a theory or hypothesis• To improve knowledge• To make discoveries• To establish facts• To revise existing understanding• To test opinions
Introduction to Research Methods
• Primary Research – Quantitative – Qualitative
• Secondary Research
Introduction to Research Methods
Collecting original data and information, generated by yourself:• Surveys• Interviews• Focus group• Documentary photography• Observations• Experiments• Testing samples
Introduction to Research Methods
Collecting and analysing information or data produced by someone else:• Books• Magazines, newspapers and journals• Websites• Television and radio programmes• Films• Other digital sources• Exhibitions
Introduction to Research Methods
Collecting a high volume or large quantity of data:• Surveys and questionnaires• Large sample size• Structured - closed questions• Measurement• Numerical data• Structured observations
Introduction to Research Methods
Collecting descriptive data with greater depth:• Interviews• Focus groups• Discussions• Observations• Surveys with open-ended questions• Descriptive data
Introduction to Research Methods
• The process you use to conduct your research is called a research methodology
• You should use research methodology that is appropriate to your subject
• You should try to use a variety of sources and ensure that they are reliable (valid)
Introduction to Research Methods
• The subject area that you are studying
• Broadly defined• It is the main area to look for
sources of information
Introduction to Research Methods
• The focus is within your field of study
• This is particular area you are concentrating your research on
• May be set by your tutors in relation to specific modules
• Can be defined by yourself • Helps to concentrate on research
sources that are most relevant
Introduction to Research Methods
• Majority of research starts with a question
• This maybe a set by your tutors as an assignment
• It can be something you are interested in or want to find out about
• Indicates the focus of your research
Introduction to Research Methods
• Analysis of your research question will help identify sources
• Always refer back to your research question
• Make sure you understand what is being asked
• Look up any words you don’t understand
Introduction to Research Methods
• Sometimes you may need to do background research
• This maybe about your subject• This is called reading around
your subject• It maybe in another area related
to your subject• Helps you understand what you
are writing about• Important for providing context