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Research Methods 1 – NotesLecture 1, Foundations of research, 29th March
Scientific Method: the systematic and empirical (evidence-based) method of gathering knowledge
that is capable of resulting in a prediction.
Identify relationship between variables/phenomena
A scientific method seeks to explain the events of nature in a reproducible way.
Reliability: repeatability of findings
Validity: are we measuring what we are supposed to measure?
Goal = high reliability and high validity
Research process/cycle:
Problem & Objectives Literature Review Research Design Data Collection Data
Analysis Report
Research Question & Hypothesis
“A hypothesis is a specific statement of prediction. It describes in concrete (rather than theoretical)
terms what you expect will happen in your study”
H0: there is no relationship between intensity of conflict and the level of forced migration
H1: there is a relationship between intensity of conflict and the level of forced migration
Research Design
Research Design is the overall framework of the research.
Main techniques and procedure of data collection and analysis.
Dependent of the research question
Types of research
1. Exploratory: what / how ? Exploratory studies are often based on qualitative approaches.
Typically, such studies are based on rel Exploratory studies can also be based on quantitative
designs. The purpose of quantitative exploratory studies could be, for example, to test
different methods for collecting quantitative data. A atively small samples, although the size
of the universe may vary. Preliminary study, sometimes called a pilot study, which may be
conducted before a more systematic study, often in areas with little previous research.
2. Explanatory: Explanatory research questions emphasize why certain phenomena or
conditions are as they are, or why they differ or change as they do. Explanatory studies in
social science are often concerned with clarifying causal relationships between two or more
social phenomena
3. Descriptive: The purpose of descriptive studies is to identify and investigate actual
conditions or phenomena in society. Descriptive research questions ask how phenomena or
conditions in society really are, and how widespread they are. Such studies are intended to
map and discuss different characteristics or features of the social conditions being studied.
The primary purpose is to clarify the facts about these social conditions, how they vary, or
how they change. Such descriptions of actual circumstances include ethnographic
descriptions based on qualitative analyses, as well as descriptive quantitative analyses.
4. Predictive: the researcher uses a future criterion measure, rather than a contemporary one,
as in the case of concurrent validity. The difference from concurrent validity is that a future
rather than a stimulates criterion measure is employed. Is the measure related to a specific
criterion that is relevant for the concept (in the future)?
5. Evaluative: refer to values and assessments/evaluations. Mainly concern opinions.
1
,Deduction: theory hypothesis observation confirmation
Induction: observation pattern tentative hypothesis theory
Methodology
“the fundamental approaches or ways of thinking and understanding that underlie the
development and utilization of different methods”
e.g. qualitative, quantitative
Quantitative:
- Gathering quatifiable data
- Deductive approach
- Large sample
- Numbers and graphs
- Generalizable facts
Qualitative research
- Gathering words
- Inductive approach
- Small sample
- Patterns and recurring themes
- Not generalizable
Methods:
1. Interviews
2. Observation
3. Surveys
4. Reading
5. Experiments
Variables
Independent
Dependent
Control variables
o A control variable is any factor that is controlled or held constant during an experiment
They make it easier to reproduce the experiment
The increase of confidence in the outcome of the experiment
Mediating & Confounding Variables
o Mediates between two variables
o Confounder: external variable, it does not leas A to B, but affects both
o
2
, Design science: “it is a science that seeks to develop and design solutions to improve existing
systems, solve problems, or even create new artifacts that contribute to better human performance,
whether in society or in organizations.
Building an artefact
Problem-solving paradigm, but does not seek optimal outcomes
Rigorous & Scientifically Valid
Seeks pragmatic validity (utility)
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