Module One    Introduction
Objectives

  Based on the text and given the terms (e.g., empirical, subject, participant, independent variable, dependent variable, extraneous variable, experimental group, control group. population, sample, generalizability, transferability, statistically significant) the student will create a definition for each term.  
  
  Given an ontological, epistemological, or methodological characteristic, identify the major research paradigm. 

  Based on personal experience, prior knowledge and the text, identify which of the three philosophies most closely matches your world view. Discuss how you acquired your beliefs (inherited or adopted). 

  Based on personal experience, prior knowledge and the text, create a diagram of the research process. 

In this course, you will be assigned to a group. Each group will be responsible for outlining a chapter from the book. I am doing the first chapter as a model of what I expect.  

I suggest that you do the following: 
 

First, read the chapter all the way through. 
Second, read the outline all the way through. 
Third, look for the match between the outline and the chapter.

An Introduction to Research 

I. Role of Research 
 

A. Identify issues in need of examination 

B. Provide information regarding how the quality of life may be improved 

C. Allow for describing, predicting, and controlling phenomenon 
 

II. Research Defined 
 
A. Way of knowing and understanding 

B. Process of systematic inquiry 
 

III. Terminology 
 
A. Participant -- the individual being studied 

B. Construct -- a psychological trait that can not be directly observed or measured (ex: intelligence, anxiety, happiness, fear) 

C. Variable -- a trait belonging to an individual; not all types of research have independent or dependent variables, but all have variables

 
1. independent -- usually the treatment administered 

2. dependent -- the trait the researcher is attempting to influence 

3. extraneous -- traits which may not be of primary interest to the researcher but that influence or impact the other variables being studied 

 
D. Groups -- research may divide participants into two or more groups, those receiving treatment (experimental) and those not receiving treatment (control) 

E. Population -- the group to whom the researcher intends to generalize the results of the study  

F. Sample -- the group of participants; these were selected from the population 

G. Generalizability --  the ability to generalize the results of the study from the sample to the population; this will be studied later in relationship to threats to the validity of the study 

H. Transferability -- the ability of the consumer of research to make judgments as to the applicability of the results of the study to their own situation 

I. Statistical significance -- the probability that the results of the study are due to chance 
 

IV. Steps in the Research Process 
 
A. Identify a theory or problem 
 
1. Inductive inference -- by observation the researcher has noticed patterns  

2. Deductive inference -- researcher makes a prediction regarding patterns observed through inductive reasoning or after some review of prior studies

 
B. Review the literature 

C. Conceptualize the statement of the problem 
 

1. define terms 

2. operationalize the statement 
 

D. Design the study 
 
1. identify variables 

2. identify population, sample, sampling method 

3. select instrument(s) 

4. select method of gathering information 

5. select statistical tests, if any 
 

E. Gather data 

F. Analyze data / Summarize  

G. Draw conclusions 

H. Make recommendations or implications 

I. Give directions / suggestions for future research

V. Major Paradigms 
 
A. Definitions 
 
1. Paradigm is a philosophical perspective (Your author focuses on three. There are as many philosophies as philosophers; so you will come across others as you become more involved in conducting and consuming research studies.) 

2. Ontology is the science or study of being; relating to the nature of being; existence; what is truth 

3. Epistemology is the study of the theory of knowledge; study of the method and grounds of knowledge; how is truth acquired 

4. Methodology is the study of methods; a body of methods, procedures, rules, postulates, and working concepts employed by a science, art, or discipline; a branch of logic that analyzes the procedures or principles that should guide inquiry into a particular field

 
B. Philosophical perspectives 
 
1. Post-Positivism 
 
a. Ontology -- there exists an apprehendible, objective reality 

b. Epistemology -- knowing is done in separate foci for the researcher and the participant 

c. Methodology -- clearly defined variables; replicable 
 

2. Interpretive / Constructivism 
 
a. Ontology -- multiple realities that are all equally valid; truth does not equal fact 

b. Epistemology -- researcher and participant are inseparable 

c. Methodology -- unlimited, undefined variables 
 

3. Emancipatory 
 
a. Ontology -- multiple realities that are all equally valid and inextricably entwined with historical events / situations 

b. Epistemology -- researcher and participant interact with each other and within historical, social, economic, gender, race, cultural influences 

c. Methodology -- unlimited, undefined variables, use of participants in the identification of the problem and the design of the study

 
You will notice that I have incorporated information from other sources. You will not be required to do so; but if you would like to, please feel free to do so. Upon request, I am willing to assist any group in identifying appropriate additional resources. 

  Philosophizing, eh? 

1. Based on personal experience, prior knowledge the text and the article in your course packet, Quantoids vs The Smooches by A. Hatch,  identify which of the three philosophies most closely matches your world view. 

2. Then, discuss how you acquired your beliefs (inherited or adopted). 

NOTE: Inherited beliefs are those you acquire from family, friends, and others you admire and respect. Adopted beliefs are those you assimilate into your value system after careful examination of a variety of philosophies. 

 

Each student is required to write a paragraph or two and email their work to Dr. McConney See Syllabus for date due. (Individual Assignment)  
 

  Visualize the Research Process! 

1. For this activity, make sure that you have your assigned grouping. If you don't know your group, first click here to check. Then, if you are not on the list, please call Dr. McConney s soon as possible.  

2. Based on personal experience, prior knowledge and the text, your group nees to create a diagram of the research process.  

Click here to see examples. 

3. To complete this assignment, each group should discuss their perceptions of the research process and translate these perceptions into a visual representation, a picture of the research process. 
 
  Submit your group work by emailing it to Dr. McConney at 941-590-7801 See Syllabus for date due. 

  Special Assignment for Group 2 only 

1. For this activity, make sure that you have your assigned grouping. If you don't know your group, first click here to check. Then, if you are not on the list, please call Dr. McConney as soon as possible.  

2. Outline Chapter 2 using the format of Chapter 1 outline above. 

  Submit your group work by posting it on the   WebBoard under the heading, "Literature Review"
See Syllabus for date due.