1. Chapter 2: The Research Process

2. 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

3. 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

4. The Research Process
Figure 2.1 The Scientific Process

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

11. 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

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

13. 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

14. The Research Process
Figure 2.3 The Cohort Sequential Design

15. The Research Process

16. 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