B.Jolamanova, m.Issayev, t.Shershneva

INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

UNIT 1. TYPES AND STAGES OF RESEARCH

A. LECTURE NOTES

Lecture plan

I. Definition of research

II. Research types

III. Research stages

IV. Research evaluation criteria

V. Questions for discussion

VI. References/Further reading

I. DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

Research is a systematic investigation to find answers to a problem (Blaxter et al, 2006, p.62).

II. RESEARCH TYPES

Qualitative versus quantitative research

Quantitative researchis empirical research where the data are in the form of numbers (e.g. questionnaire).Qualitative researchis empirical research where the data are not in the form of numbers, non-numeric (e.g. interview).Quantitative research is numeric, large-scale, objective, factual (it seeks causes), obtrusive and controlled. As compared to it,qualitative research is non-numeric, less in scale, deeper, more subjective, conceptual (seeks understanding), naturalistic and uncontrolled. The two complement each other successfully (e.g. both open- and closed-ended questions can be used in questionnaires, interviews may be structured and analyzed statistically).

Primary versus secondary research. Primary research is the research done by oneself, e.g. making a map. Secondary research is studying the research done by others, e.g. reading and using a map. Many research projects are based on a combination of primary and secondary research types.

Deskwork versus fieldwork. Deskwork involves doing things while sitting at the desk. Fieldwork means going out to collect data. They also complement each other and overlap: interview is a fieldwork, but when done over the phone it may become deskwork. Use of laptops in the field is also a combination of deskwork and fieldwork. (Blaxter et al, 2006)

Practical, applied and pure research

	Pure	Applied	Practical
Origin	originates in your mind	translates theory into practice	originates in the world
Rationale	something we do not knowbut should		some­thing we want or need to do
Costs	impalpable cost: your incomplete knowledge or understanding		palpable: money, time, opportunity, reputation, etc.
Solution	by learningmore about something.		by doing something
Consequences	Conceptual		tangible
Example	atom structure	nuclear power as a source energy	atomic bomb

The difference between pure and applied research has been clearly defined by Alberta Heritage Foundation (2005) as follows:

There is a relationship between these two types of research: pure research generates new ideas and applied research takes these ideas to create new inventions. Then, through development, the new inventions are transformed into commercial products. This is a simple model to understand the different types of research and the eventual development of new products.

Pure research is done for the sake of curiosity and functions to advance knowledge for its own sake. This type of research is usually carried out in government-funded projects by university or other research facilities or specific government laboratories.

Applied research is done for the sake of technological advancements. This research anticipates that the results found will lead to the development of commercially viable goods or processes.

There is a relationship between these two types of research: pure research generates new ideas and applied research takes these ideas to create new inventions. Then, through development, the new inventions are transformed into commercial products. This is a simple model to understand the different types of research and the eventual development of new products. (Para 2-4)