Research Methods Session 1 - outcome ii By the end of this session you should: Have a clearer understanding of different approaches to research and identify the stages of research which will be considered in the module and of which your assignment will comprise.

What is Research? There are many types of research but they all share the following basic characteristics… They all are, or aim to be, planned, cautious, systematic, and reliable ways of finding out or deepening understanding. (Blaxter et al, 1996, p.5)

A Definition of Research Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse 1984) In small groups identify the key words of this definition and discuss their meaning

A Definition of Research exploring A Definition of Research Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse) Research entails systematic, critical and self-critical enquiry which aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.  (Stenhouse)

Research Purpose - The claim to knowledge In carrying out research the purpose is to try to make some claim to knowledge; to try to show something that was not known before. Think of an example for each of these categories A four-fold framework… a research question; a research hypothesis; a research problem; a research issue. Bassey (1990)

Research Process A five step process… background; methodology; data collection; data processing; making a claim to knowledge. Bassey (1990)

Research Process – Linear Blaxter, Hughes and Tight, (1996) Research purpose identified Investigation planned Data collected Data analysed and interpreted Reflections and conclusions Report written Research design Sampling Data collection Data analysis Report Blaxter, Hughes and Tight, (1996) Bassey (1990)

Research Process – Cyclical Bassey (1990) Research purpose identified Research refocussed Report written Investigation planned Data collected Data analysed and interpreted Reflections and conclusions Bassey (1990)

Self-directed study Read Bassey (1990) section 8 Complete activity 2