Intro to Inquiry

Question 1

What is research?

Answer 1

Research is a systematic and methodical process
Research has a clear purpose to find-out things
Research is different to common sense because it’s done to achieve specific goals, relies on specific methods, and is done systematically

Question 2

Why research?

3 reasons

Answer 2

1. To find out things: there are many subjects and issues about which we have incomplete knowledge
2. To improve things: theres a requirement for increased performance in all aspects of life
3. Knowledge is power

Question 3

What to research?

3 topics

Answer 3

1. Issues related to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations
2. Responses to change
3. Impacts of social policies, etc.

Question 4

How do you do Research? What must you ask yourself?

3 questions to answer

Answer 4

1. Where do you find the information?
2. What research techniques do you use? (Research in a way that gives you the most reliable information)
3. How do you know your findings are useful and reliable?

Question 5

Deductive Reasoning

Answer 5

Top-down; deriving your hypothesis from broader theory; quantitative

(1) The logical model in which specific expectations of hypotheses are developed on the basis of general principles. Starting from the general principle that all deans are meanies, you might anticipate that this one won’t let you change courses. This anticipation would be the result of deduction. See also induction and Chapters 1 and 3.
(2) What the Internal Revenue Service said your good‐for‐nothing moocher of a brother‐in‐law technically isn’t.
(3) Of a duck.

Question 6

Inductive Reasoning

Answer 6

Bottom-up; you go around asking; building theory based on findings; may not know why or what you’re looking for; what are the mental constructs of people?;

(1) The logical model in which general principles are developed from specific observations. Having noted that Jews and Catholics are more likely to vote Democratic than Protestants are, you might conclude that religious minorities in the United States are more affiliated with the Democratic party and then your task is to explain why. This would be an example of induction.
(2) The culinary art of stuffing ducks.

Question 7

Primary Research

Answer 7

Primary research is based on raw data collected by the researcher himself or by the person hired by him. You go to the field and get your own data

Question 8

Secondary Research

Answer 8

Secondary Research is one that involves the use of information obtained originally by primary research. You use data that someone else found; content analysis; meta-analysis

Question 9

Compare Academic vs. Applied research

Answer 9

Academic research

• Theoretically inclined
• Preference for complexity
• Emphasis on reflective observation
• Strength in the assimilation of observations into models that can be generalized
• Ideas judged logical soundness, precision

Applied research

• Serve for decision-making
• ‘Down to earth’ reality
• High emphasis on experimentation
• Strength in adapting to specific (often immediate) circumstances and solving problems
• Ideas judged by their practical value

Question 10

Applied Research

Answer 10

one-off; single shot; do the research, show the data, get finite answers; then it’s done and no more use for it; the decision is made; how well does this reflect reality?; clients pay for this research, want to be informed, and influence how research is done; present data/findings to your clients

Question 11

Academic Research

Answer 11

made available to the public; contributing to greater knowledge; an accumulation of knowledge; the lifetime of academic research is much longer; more complex than other kinds; focused on methodology & internal validity; using proper models, proper tests, etc.; biases are not a big problem; you don’t have a client so everything is up to you; maybe have a grant agency, only concerned with whether you’re spending the money in the right way

Question 12

Process of Quantitative Research (11 steps)

The
Hyper
Dog
Carries
Stuffed
Squirrels
Carefully
Past
Angry
Feral
White people

Answer 12

1. Theory
2. Hypothesis
3. Research Design
4. Devise Measures of Concepts
5. Select research sites
6. Select research subjects
7. Collect data/administer research instruments
8. Process data
9. Analyze data
10. Findings/conclusions
11. Write & Publish findings/conclusions