Chapter 2: The Research Process

The Research Process Chapter Objectives To define the scientific process, including the positivist and qualitative approaches to inquiry To review issues in research design, including sampling, research methods, and designs for studying development To consider the ethical guidelines for conducting research with human participants

The Scientific Process The Positivist Approach to Research The Research Process The Scientific Process The Positivist Approach to Research Seeks causal relationships among factors, with the goal of predicting outcomes The Qualitative Inquiry Approach to Research Seeks to understand the meanings, motives, and believes that underlie a person’s experiences

The Research Process Figure 2.1 The Scientific Process

The Positivist Approach to Research A scientific observation should be The Research Process The Positivist Approach to Research A scientific observation should be Objective Repeatable Systematic

The Research Process The Qualitative Inquiry Approach to Research Assumes that there are many versions of truth, depending on the informant and the context The world is ripe for discovery Theory emerges from the data, rather than guiding the methodology and data collection Emphasis is on interpretation

The Research Process Research Design: Sampling Sampling - method of choosing participants who will be included in the study Population - the large group to which the findings of the research are intended to apply Generalizability - extent to which we can say with confidence that the observations made for this sample would apply to others groups

The Research Process Methods Of Sampling Random Samples - each person in a given population has an equal chance Stratified Sampling - deliberately selected from a variety of levels (strata) or subgroups within the population Matched Groups - 2 or more groups who are similar on many dimensions Volunteer Sampling - participants are chosen from among those who volunteer The Qualitative Approach to Sampling - learn as much as possible

Observation: taking note of events and trying to make sense of them The Research Process Research Methods Observation: taking note of events and trying to make sense of them Naturalistic Observation: research in which behavior in a setting is carefully observed without any other kinds of manipulation Participant Observation: researcher actively engages in interactions with other members of a setting Correlation Statistical analysis of strength and direction Correlation coefficient

The Research Process Figure 2.2 Patterns Reflecting Positive, Negative, and Zero Correlations

The Research Process Case Study An in-depth description of a single person, family, social group, or social setting Interviews Surveys and Tests Reliable: results are consistent Valid: when they measure what they claim to measure

The Research Process Experimentation Independent Variable - predictors Dependent Variable - outcome Experimental Group - receives manipulation Control Group - receives no treatment

The Research Process Designs for Studying Development Retrospective Studies - report on experiences from past Cross-sectional Studies - compares different groups of individuals Longitudinal Studies - studies individuals overtime Cohort Sequential Studies - compares different groups of individuals and tracks them over time

The Research Process Figure 2.3 The Cohort Sequential Design

The Research Process

The Research Process Ethics in Research on Humans Special Ethical Guidelines - principals of conduct Integrity of Research Lies with the Investigator Evaluating the Risks-Versus-Benefits Ratio Protection from Harm The Ethical Principle of Informed Consent Debriefing