Research process and Methodologies Study Guide

Steps in the research process

The initial step in research process involves the identification of the problem to be studied and developing a research question on the same. A research problem is an issue that has been identified and which needs to be explored in the study.  Reviewing literature review follows where the researcher should gain more knowledge about the topic being investigated and especially on studies that have been conducted in the past, how they were conducted and conclusion arrived at. The aim is to fill any existing gaps. The third step involves formulation of a research question and methodology and coming up with a problem statement or hypothesis on the basis of the research question. The fourth step involves a clear definition of terms and concepts used in the problem statement and as applied in the study (Blankenship, 2010). Then, definition of research population is done where the group or items available to the researcher for the purpose of the study is identified so as to narrow the scope from a large population to a manageable one.  The next step involves selection of a research design where the research decides whether the research will be quantitative or qualitative including the methods to be used in collection, analyzing and interpretation of results. The research is then carried out where collection of data to provide information for answering the research problem. The data is then analyzed and results interpreted and finally the findings of the research are reported for the purpose of sharing knowledge (Blankenship, 2010).

Difference between a hypothesis and a research question

A research hypothesis is in form of a proportional statement while the research question is presented in a question format. A hypothesis is used in indicating the relationship between variables while a research question largely involves a question aimed at addressing one component of the stated hypothesis. Hypothesis are normally used in the studies that are experimentally quantitative and in testing a given model or theory.  Research questions are usually applicable in qualitative research with an aim of answering questions that are open-ended but are also used in quantitative research (Mellinger & Hanson, 2016).

Three types of research methodologies

Descriptive research – this method involves provision of a true portrayal of characteristics of a specific group, individual or group and is done when there is little knowledge about a given phenomenon (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2013).

Correlational research methodology is done through systematically investigating a relationship between two variables or among more than two variables that have been observed in practices or identified in theories or both (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2013).

Experimental research methodology involves an investigation that is systematic, objective and controlled and it is done with an aim of controlling or predicting a given phenomena. In this methodology, variables are vigorous controlled and hence are considered to be the most effective (Grove, Burns & Gray, 2013).

Types of data collection tools used in health care research

The tools used in data collection include surveys, interviews protocols and moderator guides for focus groups. Surveys as tools are used to collect data from a relatively big sample of research population and which is then followed by a collecting fewer data from these individuals. In surveys, a researcher uses information obtained from a given sample of the population to come up with some inference about the wider population (Polit & Beck, 2004).An interview protocol is usually an inquiry instrument where questions are asked to obtain some particular information related to the purpose of the study. The interview protocol also involves the provision for collecting feedback on those protocols.  The focus group moderators are usually employed in health care research with an aim of exploring the health care professionals and patients perspectives on a given topic. Information is collected using semi-structured process of group interview and moderated by a leader (Polit & Beck, 2004).

Sampling methodologies

Sampling methods consist of probability and non-probability sampling. The probability sampling techniques are such that every element in the group has a non –zero chance of being selected while in the non-probability sampling technique, the likelihood of choosing every element is not known (Hall, 2008). Probability sampling methods include:

Simple sampling: where all possible samples of a given number of projects have equal chances of occurring (Hall, 2008).

Stratified sampling; where population is divided into groups based on particular features and a probability sample within each group is selected (Hall, 2008).

Cluster sampling: every population member is assigned to one group –cluster - , a clusters sample is chosen randomly and survey is done only within individuals in sampled clusters (Hall, 2008).

Multistage sampling; a sample is selected using different combined methods of sampling (Hall, 2008).

Systematic random sampling; a list of every population members is selected from which the first element of the sample is randomly selected (Hall, 2008).

Descriptive and inferential comparison

 The descriptive analysis and inferential analysis utilizes the same set of data collected from a given sample of statistics in a research. The descriptive analyses depend purely on the collected data set while an inferential analysis depends on the same data so as to come up with generalization on the broader population (Goodwin, 2010).

Reference

Goodwin, C. J. (2010). Research in psychology: Methods and design. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. 141

Blankenship, D. (2010). Applied research and evaluation methods in recreation. Human Kinetics. 17-18

 

Mellinger, C. D., & Hanson, T. A. (2016). Quantitative research methods in translation and interpreting studies. Taylor & Francis. 5

Grove, S. K., Burns, N., & Gray, J. (2013). The practice of nursing research: Appraisal, synthesis, and generation of evidence. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier/Saunders.

 

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2004). Nursing research: Principles and methods. Philadelphia, Penns: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Hall, R. (2008). Applied social research: Planning, designing and conducting real-world research. South Yarra, Vic: Palgrave Macmillan.