Lectures 2-4 Flashcards
Define Paradigm
The assumptions/ ideas that research bodies assume
Define Epistemology
The theory of knowledge for that paradigm
Embedded in the Theoretical Perspective
Define Theoretical Perspective
The aim of the research process, and provides the context for Methodology
Define Methodology
The ‘logic’ behind the research process, and determines what methods are used to generate information
Researchers are likely to adopt multiple methodologies
Define Methods
The process of getting data and analysing it
Theoretical Perspectives: Define Positivism (5)
- Objective: Measurable
- Reality is based in the here and now
- Researchers aim to contribute to universal laws
- Researchers only observe
- Scientific, Explanatory, and more likely to be generalisable
Define Non-Positivism (4)
- Subjective: Cannot measure realities, values impact on research
- Reality can be based on history, sociology and culture/society
- Researchers aim to advocate/ social change orientation
- Recognises Contextual Variation in populations, therefore less generalisable
Methodology: Define Induction
Start with the theory and hypothesis, conduct research, reflect on whether hypothesis was correct or not and how accurate the theory is
Define Deductive Research
Start with observations of a population, consider what theory to employ based on observations of the reality as well as similar research done by other researchers
What is hypothetico-deductive research?
The research question is stated in the form of a hypothesis
The hypothesis is generated by looking at previous theory, and is predicted BEFORE the observations are made (deductive)
The Hypothesis represents a relationship of one thing to another based on a theory
It Exploits measurable data
and it Needs and alternative explanation should it be found to be false
What is a literature Review?
An ACCOUNT
Of what has been PUBLISHED
by ACCREDITED SCHOLARS & RESEARCHERS
on the TOPIC
Synthesis of Results
A literature review should also be an account of what conclusions you can draw from the research
- To what degree do the studies agree/disagree and WHY?
Systematic Reviews
A specific kind of literature review, critical in evidence-based medicine
- Very Clear objectives
- Identifies specific things on which to compare ALL the studies
- Presents a synthesis of results and also gives a lot of detail, including tables
