Introduction to Research Free Essays

RESEARCH * searching for a theory (a scientifically acceptable general principle offered to explain observed facts). For testing a theory, or for solving a problem. * a SYSTEMATIC, CONTROLLED, EMPIRICAL, and CRITICAL investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena (Kerlinger, 1973) SYSTEMATIC – follows steps or stages that begin with identification of the problem, relating of this problem with existing theories, collection of data, analysis, interpretation of these data, drawing of conclusions, and integration of these conclusions into the stream of knowledge. We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Research or any similar topic only for you Order Now CONTROLLED – is so planned every step of the way that fancy and guess work do not set in. The problem is defined thoroughly, variables identified and selected, instruments carefully selected or constructed, conclusions drawn only from the data yielded, and recommendations based on the findings and conclusions. EMPIRICAL DATA – will form the bases for conclusions. Everything is so controlled that any observer of the investigation will develop full confidence in the results. CRITICAL ANALYSIS – is done by a panel of judges that passes judgment on the entire research. an ORGANIZED and SYSTEMATIC way of FINDING ANSWERS to QUESTIONS ORGANIZED – involves a structure or method in going about doing research. It is planned procedure, not a spontaneous one. It is focused and limited to a specific scope. SYSTEMATIC – follows a definite set of procedures and steps. There are certain things in the research process which are always done in order to get the most a ccurate results. FINDING ANSWERS – is the end of all research. Whether it is the answer to a hypothesis or even a simple question, research is successful when we find answers. Sometimes the answer is no, but it is still an answer. QUESTIONS – are central to research. If there is no question, then the answer is of no use. Research is focused on relevant, useful, and important questions. Without a question, research has no focus, drive, or purpose. * sometimes called a term paper or library paper, an ordinary critical essay or the more daunting thesis (an essay embodying results of original research especially one written for an academic degree or dissertation (an extended usually written treatment of a subject especially one submitted for a doctorate) reports the writer’s research findings. * involves â€Å"searching again† through what others have written about the subject. * is primarily characterized by its use of data gathered from a wide range of sources to clarify, analyze, expound on, discover, discuss, and debate an idea. * entails understanding a scholarly endeavor and acquainting yourself with the variety of materials at your disposal (e. g. , the library, various institutions, field interviews, questionnaires, the internet, email, and the like) to support your claims. TWO APPROACHES (1) a summary of information from many resources If the paper summarizes research, it reports the reading from a single source or, more likely, from many sources. (2) an evaluation of research information If the paper evaluates the research information, it considers why or how and is frequently either a comparison paper or a cause-effect paper. The evaluation paper requires the use of numerous sources and assumes the writer’s ability to show originality and imagination. CHARACTERISTICS An effective research paper fulfills these requirements: * indicates careful, comprehensive reading and understanding of the topic establishes, in its introduction, a thesis to be developed in the course of the paper * follows a clear organization * employs the principles of good composition * includes direct quotations, paraphrases, or precis that supports the thesis * includes documentation in the form of parenthetical notes, endnotes, or footnotes * includes a list of works cited * exhibits careful, thorough documentation o sources of ideas * follows a carefully prescribed format * is almost always typed or, if prepared on a computer, printed on a letter-quality printer REMEMBER! A research paper* uses documentation* analyzes, discusses, and debates ideas* acquaints you with a cross section of materials* engages you in critical, not creative, reading and writing| A research paper is not a * piece of expository writing* personal essay* reflection paper* review of academic literature* mere reporting of facts and/or opinions | How to Write Analytical or Argumentative Research Papers By Joe Robertson Research papers can be easily differentiated from personal essays on the basis of the extensive research that is executed before the writing of such papers. Research papers thus act as that creative output in which the writers’ personal thoughts and opinions are merged with theories from already established sources. However, the technique used in the presentation of the paper may make it fall under two broad categories: 1. Analytical, 2. Argumentative, in fact the strategy used by the writer to compose his paper will eventually determine the aim and purpose of the paper. A detailed discussion of these two methods will clarify the concepts presented above: 1. Analytical Papers In an analytical research paper, the aim is to attain a thorough expertise of the concept that is being presented so that it can be broken down and represented from the writers’ point of view. In this form of the research paper, an individual approaches the research question without any pre-conceived notions and ideas about the subject at hand. Thereafter a careful survey of the opinions and views is undertaken. Ultimately when familiarity with the topic is achieved; a person is able to restructure and relocate the concepts that underlie the basic topic in his paper; the very essence of an analytical paper; critical contemplation and valuation of the question at hand is necessary for an analytical paper. 2. Argumentative Papers This type of a paper may also be termed a persuasive paper. Aside from critical thinking which is essential for the production of a quality paper, another familiar concept that dominates academic circles is the concept of an argument. The basic differen ce from the former kind that qualifies the persuasive kind is that the paper takes a conscious stance and argues in favor of one of the arguments with cogent facts and points presented in its favor. The aim is to mould the reader’s mind in favor of one possible answer to the research question backed by reliable data and arguments. Both approaches require logical thinking and smart evaluation alongside comprehensive research of the available sources. However the difference is created through the process of writing, analytical papers provide a more balanced approach where all views pertaining to the question are presented whereas argumentative papers debate in favor of one logical solution above the others. How to cite Introduction to Research, Essays Introduction To Research Free Essays Research is a high-hat word that scares a lot of people. It is a welcoming attitude towards change. The research state of mind can apply to anything. We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction To Research or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is a problem-solving mind. What is Research? Research is defined as a careful, systematic study in a field of knowledge, undertaken to discover or establish facts or principles (Webster, 1984). Research is defined as a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data to find an answer to a question or a solution to a problem, to validate or test an existing theory. The Value of Research Research helps professionals by providing information to make decisions, or o perform their functions more effectively. Teachers need to know what teaching method can be used Health services providers need health-related data in developing health programs Research Improves the Quality of Life Quality research is the lifeblood of any scientific discipline. Without it, disciplines would stagnate, failing to advance past their current limits and understanding. (Wan 1997 p. 7) General Types of Research Research can be classified into three categories: Descriptive research Correlation or association research Experimental or intervention research Descriptive Research The descriptive of study finds answer to the questions who, what, where and how. This type of research describes a situation or a given state of affairs in terms of specified aspects or factors. Examples of research topics fall under the descriptive type: 1 . ‘The management style of school administ rators in Lillo City’ 2. Tardiness and absenteeism among high school students† 3. â€Å"The insecticidal properties of pepper Explanatory or Correlation Research An explanatory study goes beyond description of the problem or situation. It attempts to explain the possible factors related to a problem which have en observed in a descriptive study. This study answers the questions why and how. The factors related to the problem, however, need not be viewed as real â€Å"causes† Of the problem, but factors which are associated with or may contribute to the occurrence of the problem. Certain factors are â€Å"assumed† to explain or contribute to the existence of a problem or a certain condition or the variation in a given situation. The researcher usually uses a theory or a hypothesis to account for or explain the forces that are â€Å"assumed to have caused† the problem. For example, relationships between the following pairs f variables can be studied: 1. Gender Grades 2. Knowledge about cancer compliance with medical regimen 3. Educational attainment repayment status of cooperative members Intervention or Experimental Research The intervention or experimental type of research evaluates the effect or outcome of a particular intervention or treatment. It studies the â€Å"cause and effect† relationship between certain factors on a certain phenomenon under controlled conditions. The following examples of research topics fall under the explanatory or correlation category: 1 . â€Å"The Effect of Different Levels of Applied Nitrogen on the growth and Yield of Rice† Experimental vs.. Non- experimental Research Experimental research Treatments are given to subjects Cause-and-effect questions Non-experimental research Treatments are not given to subjects Participants are observed as they naturally exist Other Dichotomies of Research There are other classification of research: 1. Pure or Applied 2. Exploratory or Explanatory 3. Quantitative or Qualitative Pure Basic Attempts to describe an existing situation and/or explain certain patterns of behavior using either or both qualitative and quantitative research cuisines Pure research offers better descriptions and better explanation of human behavior. The intention is to accumulate knowledge about a certain phenomenon. Doesn’t necessarily provide results of immediate, practical use Applied Research Aims to see an immediate solution to a problem Focuses on variables or factors which can be changed by intervention in order to achieve a desired goal An experimental study comparing the effectiveness of two methods of improving a situation Exploratory Designed to describe an existing problem situation and examine the underlying factors that contribute to the emergence of the problem Explanatory To understand or explain a prevailing situation or explain a relationship between factors which may have already been identified in exploratory studies Seek more specific answers to ‘Sunny† and â€Å"how† questions Quantitative vs.. Qualitative Research Quantitative – data are gathered such that they can be quantified and subjected to statistical analyses Qualitative – data are gathered such that they can be analyzed through informed judgment Research may be obtrusive or non-obtrusive: Obtrusive research – where the researcher introduces conditions that influence participants. How to cite Introduction To Research, Essays