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RES 8100 The Nature of Knowing

RES 8100 - Library Session Handouts

Useful Resources for Assignment 1 - The Nature of Knowing: The Scientific Method

This assignment will include five parts: (a) Components of Research, (b) Sources of Information, (c) Use and Misuse of Information, (d) Established Tools of Measurement, and (e) Types of Research.

Components of Research: The student will identify the major components of the scientific method and relate it to the development of a research report. The student will then provide a brief discussion on the concept of “how we know” through the application of the scientific method.
Sources of Information: The student will distinguish the differences between primary and secondary sources and discuss the concept of “suspending trust” in a research report.
The Use and Misuse of Research: The student will identify and discuss the parameters surrounding a research study that was published and widely accepted, and then found to be “misused” or inaccurate.
Established Tools for Measurement: The student will identify and discuss the use of an established research tool or assessment.
Types of Research: The student will distinguish among the two main research paradigms.

You can search the database Mental Measurements Yearbook to find information on tools for measurement. The database contains the review of instruments. These reviews provide information on the validity, reliability, and purpose of the tool.

Useful Resources for Assignment 2 – Dissecting a Quantitative Research Report

For this assignment, the student must locate a recent manuscript from a peer-reviewed journal
that utilized the quantitative method. The student will identify the major components and discuss the purpose of each section: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Next, each aspect of the report will be dissected by using the appropriate annotation and page number. The subcomponents to be identified is the problem of the study, the theoretical framework, the research questions, the population and sample, the tools for measurement, design and procedures, statistical procedures and findings. The student will provide a final discussion on the potential
limitations of the study.

Suggested resources:

Frey, B. (2018). Quantitative research methods. In The SAGE encyclopedia of educational research, measurement, and evaluation (Vols. 1-4). Thousand Oaks,, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781506326139

Useful Resources for Assignment 3

For this assignment, the student must locate a recent manuscript from a peer-reviewed journal that utilized the qualitative method. The student will identify the major components and discuss the purpose of each section: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Next, each aspect of the report will be dissected by using the appropriate direct quotation and page number. The sub-components to be identified is the problem of the study, the theoretical framework, the research questions or objectives, the population and sample, data-collection procedures, data analysis techniques, and findings. The student will provide a final discussion on the ethical considerations of the study.

Suggested resource:

Amis, J., Silk, M., Eisenhart, M., Freeman, M., deMarrais, K., ... & Torrance, H. (2011). Standards for evaluating qualitative research. In Lichtman, M. Understanding and evaluating qualitative educational research (pp. 253-260). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781483349435

Useful Resources for Assignment 4 - Problem Statement

Assignment 4 – Identifying a Problem Statement
The initial step in the scientific method is to identify a problem or need. Students generally identify problems for their own research in the workplace or within an area of interest. The student will identify a research problem, present the background relating to a particular research problem (or need), discuss the feasibility of building the problem into a research study, and then identifying the individuals who would most benefit from the potential study.

Suggested resourse:

Wentz, E. (2014). Problem statement. In Wentz, E. How to design, write, and present a successful dissertation proposal (pp. 129-148). 55 City Road, London: SAGE Publications, Ltd doi: 10.4135/9781506374710

Useful Resources for Exercise #3

Exercise 3 types of QUAN Research - What are the major differences between experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental research? Discuss the three major conditions to meet cause and effect. Provide a typical experimental "weakness" that wouldn't allow a researcher to determine cause and effect.

Resources:

  • Salkind, N. J. (2010). Experimental Design. In Encyclopedia of research design (Vols. 1-0). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc. doi: 10.4135/9781412961288