RESEARCH METHODS Course Outline

Role of research

� Meaning of RESEARCH?

Meaning of Research � Research is:

�  Search / inquisitive for knowledge �  Systematic scientific investigation on a

specific topic. �  Systematic effort to gain new knowledge �  Voyage of discovery

“……………Search for knowledge through objective & systematic method of finding a solution to a problem”

Meaning of Research � Research comprises:

²  Defining & redefining problems ²  Formulating hypothesis or suggested solutions ²  Collecting, organizing & evaluating data ²  Making deductions & reaching conclusions ²  Carefully testing the conclusions to establish

whether they fit to the hypothesis.

Objectives of Research � The purpose of research is to discover:

v  Answers to questions through the application of scientific procedures

²  New knowledge (novelty)

Objectives of Research � The broad grouping of research objectives entail:

1.  To gain familiarity with a phenomenon/to achieve new insights = explorative/formulative research

2.  To portray accurately the characteristics of a subject of study = descriptive research

3.  To determine the frequency of occurrence of subject of study = diagnostic research

4.  To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between variables = hypothesis-testing research

What is a Literature Review?

� A Literature Review is a way to:

Compare studies and know “what’s out there” on a specific topic

Analytically examine existing body of research Identify an article that documents a particular fact Bring order to an abundance of information spread across

too many places

Steps in a Literature Review

1.  Establish research focus 2.  Identify where to search 3.  Select appropriate search terms 4.  Use ‘operators’ and ‘wildcards’ 5.  Organize research history 6.  Determine relevant literature 7.   Analyze, Synthesize and Summarize

evidence into a report

Step 1: Establish Research Focus What do you need or want to know? How will this data help your project? IMPORTANT ….

•  Keep your topic specific and focused

•  Be prepared to revise it along the way based on what you discover in the literature

Exercise 1 Consider the research topics below and answer the following questions for each topic: 1. Would you revise this topic? 2. Why or why not? If yes, how? Research Topics �  Technology and the youth �  Homeless youth �  Emotional distress and mental health service use among adolescents.

Step 2a: Identify Where to Search �  Academic Literature

�  Books, scholarly journal articles �  Dissertations

�  Government documents �  Policy reports �  Grey Literature �  Papers published by professional societies

�  Internet search engines: Google.ca or Yahoo.ca �  Online databases: PsychInfo, Social Service Abstracts,

Medline, ERIC, etc.

Step 2b: Identify Relevant Search Engines

� Why? �  To save time and stay focused. � 

� Sample sources?:

Step 2c: Secure Database Access

Certain publications are not readily accessible to the public

To secure access to databases you need:

1.  To establish a partnership with a university that has access to the database OR

2.  Pay a database search fee

Step 3: Select Appropriate Search Terms A search term is a term used to find information on your topic Search terms can include:

•  Key words Example: For a literature review on “ Impact of technology on society” possible key words may include: technology effects, society, media effects, …… others???

•  Author •  Title •  Journal or publication •  Other descriptors

Where to Find Key Words

�  Reference Books �  �  Abstracts

�  Scientific journals

�  Government reports

�  Electronic databases

Focusing Your Key Words

� Be specific .… expect numerous results!

� Example:

�  Technology effects (999,000 items) �  Media reports (898,000 items)

Exercise 2: Key Words �  You have been asked to design a technology assessment

program. Your search question is:

�  “What are the determinants and consequences of technology adoption by the youth?

�  What Search Engines and / or databases would you use?

�  Working individually, list 10 key words to search information on the “determinants and consequences” for youth who are addicted to technology.

�  Share your answers.

Step 4: Using ‘Operators’ & ‘Wildcards’

� ‘Wildcards’ are symbols that expand the scope of your search �  e.g. (*) patent* -- retrieves patent, patents, patentable,

patented

� ‘Operators’ define the relationships between words or groups of words

�  Note: �  Operators and wildcards vary by search engine to check each database’s Help

section

Examples of ‘Operators’ � Sample operators:

� Use AND to narrow search and retrieve records containing all of the words it separates.

� Use OR to broaden search and retrieve records containing any of the words it separates.

� Use NOT to narrow search and retrieve records that do not contain the term following it.

� Use ( ) to select a phrase or groups of words -  Phrase - (participatory action research) -  Groups of words – (determinants and consequences) AND

(technology or youth)

Exercise 3: Operators & Wildcards

� Generate a total of 6 operators and 2 wildcards using the search terms you came up with for the topic of “technology and youth development”

Step 5: Organizing Your Research Document your search process:

•  Keep record of all materials examined •  Keep a record of all Web searches •  Set a bookmark of the Universal Resource Locator(URL)

for commonly used web sites •  Record key words used for electronic searches •  Print home pages of the web sites •  Photocopy journal articles, book chapters and other

materials •  Organize information using a “Review Matrix”

Example of a Review Matrix Author, Title, Journal

Year of Publication

Purpose Type of Study Design

Journal article 2004 Technology and society

Experimental study

Journal article 2006 Long-term effect of technology to the youth

Cross-sectional survey

What other categories could be included in a Review Matrix?

Step 6: Determine Relevant Literature �  To determine what is relevant literature:

�  Check article abstracts for summaries of research design and findings instead of reading entire article

�  Consider type of measurement and analysis

�  Consider contribution of the article/research to the field

�  Does it help you know what to do or what not to do in your study?

Exercise 4: Review of Abstract

� Using the sample abstract entitled, “Technology adoption …..”. Review the abstract and answer the questions below: �  1. What were the issues discussed by the researchers? �  2. What methods did they use? �  3. What were the results? �  4. Are there any missing or inadequate topics?

Step 7: Analyze, Synthesize & Summarize Evidence into a Report � Briefly summarize findings � Synthesize literature by identifying common themes � Differentiate b/w what is “known” and “not known” �  Identify topics of debate � Evaluate and analyze findings �  Identify relevance of data to your research project

� Remember: Reference all citations & create a bibliography

Ways to Structure Your Review

�  Chronological

�  Topical or thematic organization

�  Inverted pyramid organization (broad to narrow)

What is a Good Literature Review? � A good literature review:

�  Includes a clear research question or purpose � Makes an argument for the necessity of your research

and/or service, program, etc. � Explains methods and theories if review is to be used for

a larger study or program � Describes search methodology

- databases, search terms, etc. �  Is thorough (include classic studies and a range of

literature, not just studies that make your point) �  Is well-organized, clear and concise

Final Tip!

� Last but not least…

� Get help when you need it...

� Librarians are an excellent & amazing resource:

Exercise 5- Sample Literature Review �  Working individually

read the Sample Lit Review

�  Highlight or take notes on the main points of the assigned ‘reading’ sections

�  Take note of the structure of the assigned ‘skimming’ sections

Read & Highlight Main Points

Skim

Abstract 1. Introduction

2. Background concerning the topic

3. Methods for

literature review Implications of this

review of the literature for

practice & research

4. Research concerning the topic

Appendix A.

Summary of studies on the topic

Exercise 5- Sample Literature Review Cont’d …

� Once previous steps are complete, answer the following questions for your ‘assigned section’ *. Be prepared to present your findings to the class.

1.   How is your section organized? 2.   What are the key points? 3.   How does it fit in with the rest of the literature

review? 4.   Was it clear and understandable? 5.   Other thoughts about it?

� 

Debrief of the Literature Review

�  What did you think of the literature review overall?

�  Any surprises?

�  What are its strengths? What could be improved?

�  In what ways do you think your own literature review would be similar or different from this one?

Review of Lesson Objectives

�  Upon completion of this lesson you will be able to:

�  Explain the value and purpose of a literature review �  Describe the steps involved in doing a Literature

Review �  Identify the sources of “literature” �  Use various techniques to conduct an efficient &

concise search �  Synthesize your findings to produce a report /

literature review