JMN 300 – assignment 4
By
Princess M. Motale
18128794
1. How do you define research? When you think about the word
“research”, what images come to your mind? Explain three images or
metaphors.
I define research as an investigation carried out in a systematic process, that is
universally known and practiced, in order to find answers to a question, to establish
new facts about a topic or discipline, to reach new conclusions and is the ultimate
method in finding and creating new knowledge. Research is normally carried out
within a study, where prior information on a topic is collected and analysed, gaps in
the literature are identified, and new questions and hypothesis are constructed
based on the research conducted. Research is conducted for a multitude of reasons
and is initiated by different motivations (intrinsic and extrinsic). For example, finding
out why plants photosynthesize for the sake of knowing that information, versus
finding out why plants photosynthesize for the purposes of utilizing that information in
crop production. As a consequence, there are various disciplines (psychology,
biology, education, economics) that carry out research, however the process in
which they do it is not the same. Disciplines like science approach the world with an
objective, logical lens, hence the type of research carried out would be classified as
using a quantitative research approach; as opposed to disciplines that study societal
structures, behaviour, and seek out anecdotal, subjective observations, which will
follow a qualitative research approach. Research can almost be compared to a
treasure hunt. The two share commonalities in terms of wanting to find the treasure –
wanting to acquire new knowledge and, solving the treasure hunt through the use of
a map – conducting research through a systematic approach. In addition, research
can be compared to baking a cake without having an ingredients list or recipe to
follow. You know what cake you want (research topic), and you know the cake needs
to be placed in the oven to bake (research time frame). But you will have to figure
out what ingredients to use and their proportions ( paradigm, theoretical framework,
etc.), test their quality (data analysis) and consider how their taste will fit with the
overall cake (evaluation of data). Finally, research is like shopping, you go shopping
with the intent of buying a specific product, then find whole other products that you
did not think of, but find you have a need for them. Research is as tedious but as
rewarding as shopping.
2. As part of a research, how might the research paradigm that you align
with inform the methodology that you ultimately use? Explain it using
three examples.
As mentioned in the answer to question one there is more than one type of research,
(quantitative research, and qualitative research) and as a consequence there are
various paradigms used to inform your research, how you will move forward with
deciding on the type of data you require, process of collecting the data, analysis of
said data, and finally how you will present the findings to the data. A paradigm is the
method or model at which you conduct your research. It is defined as a set of beliefs
and ideas which within theories function and guides the research process. The major
paradigms include the positivist, and interpretivist paradigm. The research paradigm
I align with and have had the most exposure with is the positivist paradigm. The
qualities of a positivist paradigm include, objectivity, logical and analytical thought,
quantitative data, and finally the paradigm does not agree on a universal truth. The
manner in which the positivist paradigm informs the methodology can be described
as follows:
How to conduct the research
The positivist paradigm highlights engaging in research whereby there are variables
that can be controlled and manipulated by the researcher (scientific disciplines and
studies). The main reason is for the researcher to be able to observe and identify
causal relationships between the variables. For example, the botany researcher is
investigating how plants respond to different light intensities. The variables that the
researcher controls include the light intensity, the distance at which the light is,
amount of exposure time to the light and the type of plant used. In effect the
researcher is creating an experimental design which is favoured by the positivist
paradigm.
The type of data used in the study
Following the positivist paradigm, the type of data used and collected is numerical,
quantifiable data, though qualitative data can be used, however qualitative data is
hard to systematically analyse in an objective scientific manner, and as seen through
the positivist lens, it is often not as reliable as quantitative data.
Data collection and analysis
Positivism requires data to be collected in quantitative research methods which
include, laboratory experiments, surveys, questionnaires, and secondary data –
official statistics. The data is then analysed through content analysis, statistical
analysis, inferential analysis or through the use of machines (computers).
3. What is the significance of a research problem or research question in
the research process? Explain two main ideas. How do you formulate a
clear and concise research question?
A research question or problem is the main aim of your research – your study is
seeking to answer this main question. The research question is conceived through
conducting initial research on the topic and by identifying gaps in the research that
your question aims to answer. The research problem or question is crucial in aiding
you to identify the research approach you will undertake, identifying the paradigm
you will use that will inform your methodology, the type of data you will use, the
method in which you collect the data, and the method in which you will analyse the
data. Most importantly the research question guides your research design and
anchors your research process. As mentioned, the main ideas that explain the
purpose of a research question include the paradigm and the methodology.
A clear and concise research question is formulated through the following way, firstly
you should choose a topic of interest and narrow down on the ideas that are to be
investigated. Preliminary research should be conducted on the chosen topic to be
able to identify key findings and conclusions in the topic, then identify research gaps.
Following this procedure, you will need to construct a research question that is
focused on your topic and the question should highlight issues or problems that you
have identified in your preliminary search. The research question should be specific
and clearly defined. It is important that the question should lead to investigation that
you want to investigate and that there is reliant and valid research available. When
formulating your research question, it is crucial that you are able to answer the
question whether it is through documentary research or through analysis and
interpretation of data.
4. What is a literature review, and what role does it play in the research
process? Explain two main roles. How does it contribute to the
development of a research project?
A literature review is a collection of relevant, reliable, and valid research (academic
literature) that concerns your research study. It is synthesized with the purpose of
cohesively summarizing existing knowledge in the field and by providing background
into what is and what is not known with regards to your research question. The
literature review additionally includes the researcher’s critical assessment of the
literature. The literature in question includes books, journal articles, newspaper
articles, and other scholarly sources. The purpose of a literature review can be
summarized using the following two points.
Background and context of research and research problem
I personally would state that the main purpose of a literature review is to provide
background knowledge on the research topic, gain an understanding of existing
research and it helps the audience (the reader) to determine where the research
study fits in the topic, and determine the relevance of the research study with
regards to their own research. As the researcher the literature review brings clarity to
the research problem by broadening the researcher’s knowledge in the research
area. It provides the researcher an idea on the paradigm, theoretical framework, and
methodology that should be utilized in their research study. The literature review can
aid the researcher in how to contextualize their findings regarding the area of
research.
Informs and /or improves your methodology
By reviewing past research, the literature review acquaints the researcher with the
methods utilized by other researchers in the field. It informs the researcher on the
procedures conducted in other works and how to replicate said methods for the
purpose of their own research. Furthermore, the literature review allows the
researchers to become aware of any pitfalls regarding their methodology and will
better equip them to select a methodology that will provide an answer to the
research question.
5. How does interpretative research differ from other research paradigms
(e.g., positivist) when it comes to designing and conducting research?
Explain three characteristics of the interpretative paradigm.
The interpretative research – interpretative paradigm, is concerned with
understanding the world through a subjective lens, through experiences of different
individuals. It is a method of research where phenomena are analysed based on
beliefs, ideas, norms, and the characters of the culture of the society to which the
paradigm takes place. The research paradigm differs, in designing and conducting
research, from other paradigms according, but not limited to, these three
characteristics: context/ assumption, theoretical assumption, and methodology.
Context/ assumption
The interpretative paradigm assumes that reality is subjective and socially
constructed. It is mostly utilized in areas that concern human studies in relation to
sociology. The paradigm is used in research in order to discover deep
understandings of phenomena. The paradigm may inform research on social
phenomena, the study of historical events, and even the development of strategies in
education
Theoretical assumptions
In terms of ontology, interpretivism assumes that the researcher and reality are
inseparable as compared to positivism which assumes that reality and the
researcher are two separate entities and are dualistic. Knowledge of the world is
intentionally constructed through a person’s lived experience (epistemology) as
compared to the positivist approach which defines knowledge of reality as objective
and existing beyond the human mind.
Methodology
The interpretative paradigm, unlike positivism that utilizes measurement, use
meaning orientated methodologies that rely on the relationship between the subject
and the researcher. The paradigm uses a qualitative research approach, and the
data collection methods include interviews, observations, and document reviews.
6. Explain the concept of peer review in research publication. Why is peer
review important, and how does it contribute to the quality of research
articles? Explain three different aspects.
Peer review in research publication is the process of evaluation of a body of work by
one or more persons that are within the field of expertise concerning the research
study. The people reviewing the publication possess the same competencies as the
researcher who produced the work. Peer review is crucial in the process of
publishing research as it is a process that validates the research, evaluates the
originality of the research, and assesses the quality of the work. Peer review
contributes to the quality of research articles by first acting as a filter. All disciplines
conduct a type of peer review when it concerns the assessment of articles before
their publication and is essential in maintaining a standard of publications. Research
articles will undergo scrutiny and critique by editors of a journal to evaluate whether
the article meets the standards of the journal. The editors will assess facets such as
the title of the article, to ensure it is descriptive enough, that the research question
proposed in the research article is in line with the research topic and other published
works in that area. The methodology section is reviewed to evaluate if the method is
detailed enough and that the methods used are in line with the research question,
ethical (if need be) and can be replicated by others. The peer review additionally
checks for any spelling or grammar conventions, it ensures that the appropriate
language is used, and that the method section is written in past active voice.
Additionally with the process of peer review any plagiarism is easily and accurately
identified. What I view as most important, is that the peer review provides an
opportunity for researchers to improve upon their work. The reviewer can provide
recommendations for the study, suggest areas that need to be strengthened and
removed, and ultimately allow the researcher to improve the quality of their research
and correct any scientific or literature error.
7. What is documentary research, and how does it differ from other
research methods, such as experimental or survey research? Explain
three characteristics of a documentary research.
Documentary research, as suggested in the name, is a type of research that
concerns the systematic examination of academic media in order to answer the
research question or find a solution to the research problem. This type of research
can be seen when employing the interpretive paradigm and is especially utilized
when no ethical clearance has been granted for the research in question.
Documentary research is based on existing documents and utilizes them as the
primary source of data. The main characteristics that separate documentary
research form experimental and survey research can be categorized as follows:
Ethical considerations
When it pertains to ethics in documentary research the matter is much simpler than
with the other mentioned forms of research (survey and experimental). There is no
need for ethical clearance when conducting documentary research, especially when
working with published media (as it is published with the intent of public
consumption), like books, websites, and journal articles. Though some ethical
consideration has to be taken when dealing with private documents such as personal
letters, and unpublished papers.
Research method
Documentary research often always involves the conceptualization and assessment
of documents, consequently this makes the research qualitative in nature, and thus
qualitative data collection and analysis methods must be utilized. It is however
important to note that documentary research can be a quantitative research method.
The documentary research methods all involve the analysis of documents to either
identify relevant information, patterns, and themes, past trends, symbolism, and
beliefs.
Application
Documentary research is often used in the social sciences and often conducted to
assess documents for their social or historical value. The research type is used to
form a larger narrative through the evaluation and conceptualization of many
documents surrounding a phenomena or specific topic. Documentary research, in
addition to social sciences, is utilized in educational research, legal, business and
marketing research.
8. Explain the concept of a documentary source. What are the different
types of documentary sources commonly used in research? Explain
three types.
A documentary source is any written, drawn or presented representation of thought
and is often created from fictional or, in the case of academic research, non-fiction
content. Documentary sources can be either classified as primary (interviews/
biographies), secondary (journals) or tertiary material. Documentary sources contain
a wealth of knowledge, and it is for this reason that they are used in research. They
are able to help with answering research questions and help identify certain aspects
of a research topic or area. In research documentary sources are advantageous in
that they (for the most part) are inexpensive, the data is permanent, and the material
is subject to re-analysis and new thought. The documentary source most used in
research studies would have to be journal articles. Journal articles are pieces of
research that are scholarly published in peer-reviewed academic journals. They are
written by professionals in a particular field and are often reviewed by other
professionals in the same field before they can be published. Journal articles are
often considered primary and secondary sources of information. Articles that report
first—hand observations and experiments of phenomena will be classified as primary
sources of information, whilst articles that report or comment on work done by other
researchers would be considered as secondary sources. Personal documents are
also considered documentary sources used in research. They are often primary
sources of data, including biographies, autobiographies, letters etc., and are used in
research when certain information is not available from other academic literature,
though they are subject to scrutiny, reliability, and validity. Lastly videos and film can
be used as documentary sources. Video recordings can be advantageous for
qualitative research such as interviews. Videos are valuable tools for creative
documentation and can be used to aid information gathering and reporting. Fictional
film, such as movies, are primary sources of documentation and can be applied in
documentary research, with regards to the social-context, cinematography, and
narration of the film.
9. Ethics is both a product of our past and the anticipation of the future.
How do the experiences from the Nuremberg Trials, the Tuskegee
experiment (you can read about these events but not quoted), and other
events shape your understanding of what ethics in research is today?
Explain one main reflection. What are the ethical responsibilities of
researchers when using documentary materials that may involve
personal or sensitive information, especially in the context of human
subjects’ research? Explain two responsibilities.
Based on my background in having conducted research that pertains to animals, I
understand ethics as a moral code in which people govern by. It is a set of
behaviours in which you treat your research subject (person, animal, plant) with
respect and dignity, and you do not engage in actions that will put the research
subject in either physical or mental harm. Though the level of ethics differ between
animals, plants and humans, ethical research is research that is produced in the
absence of malicious intent. In research ethics are moral principles that researchers
should adhere to when carrying out their work. Ethics shape regulations agreed upon
by research committees, universities, and other academic groups. Ethics also goes
beyond the treatment of the research subject. Ethical norms in research are also
designed to protect intellectual property and this applies to authorship, patenting
policies and copyright. What I took away from the Tuskegee experiment is that there
was not ethical consideration taken for the research subjects (the African American
male participants). Information on the purpose of the research was omitted from the
participants and the participants were deceived into taking placebos. Ultimately the
participants were stripped of their autonomy and humanity, and they along with their
families suffered gravely as a result. Researchers have an ethical responsibility
when conducting their research. With regards to research subjects, the researcher
has a responsibility in clearly stating the purpose of their research and the role the
participants will play. The participants have the right to anonymity, should they
choose so, and the researcher has the responsibility of offering anonymity as an
option. Researchers, especially in documentary research, must obtain permission
from authors of private documents to utilize their work in their research. The ethical
considerations in research can be summed up to, voluntary participation,
confidentiality, consent, anonymity, and communication.
10. What is the significance of research in the field of education, and how
can research inform and improve teaching practices? Explain three
practical ways to make better connections between educational
research and your work as a teacher.
Through my experience in the PGCE (post-graduate certificate of education) course I
have come to realise that research plays a fundamental role to understanding what
education was, to how it is now and what it will become in the future. The main
purpose of research in education is to expand on and improve the existing teaching
and learning strategies. Educational research can help educators in understanding
how the technologically savvy 21st century learner, acquires, assimilates, and
transmits knowledge. What I perceive as most crucial is that educational research
can aid government and policy makers in developing school curriculums that are to
the benefit of the learner and the educator. Herein, I discuss three practical ways in
which educators can bridge the gap between educational research and the
classroom.
Accessibility to academic literature & Involvement of schools, educators, and
administrators in research
Schools and educators are often unable to access current and relevant research,
and this has an effect in lowering the research to practice relevancy. Furthermore,
there needs to active communication between educational researchers and
teachers. How this issue can be tackled is through community, schools, and
educators, where possible, should attend educational research seminars and in
addition create communities with other educators from different schools.
Research and practicality
Educational research has to be grounded in reality and be practical. There are
numerous studies published that expound on methods and ideas that can create for
efficient teaching and learning in the classroom, but it is important to note that not all
of the research findings can be implemented in class. The socioeconomic and
cultural background of the school, the learner and even the educator plays an
immense role in the implementation and facilitation of educational research in the
classroom. It is that more important for educators to be able to discern what research
is applicable to them. When implementing research into the classroom the educator
should adequately spend time on developing a plan in order to adapt the research,
once done trial the plan in the classroom and reflect on whether or not it served its
purpose in the teaching process.
Princess M. Motale 2023/11/08
18128794 0847848689
JNM 300 assignment 4
Assignment
