Resources:
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Unit IV:
Basic Methods of Research: Experimental (Empirical, Quantitative);
[versus] Qualitative
READING:
Read: Pan, Chpts 11, 15, 16
Read: APA Manual, Appendix 3-A Elements and Examples of References in APA Style: C. Technical and research reports; and D. Proceedings of meetings and symposia
INTRODUCTION
To review the three basic types of research: basic research is the discovery of knowledge and theory building; applied research includes the testing, confirmation, revision, and refutation of knowledge and theory; and action research is the investigation of a problem as an aid for local decision-making. The distinctions among the types of research are not always clear. For example, basic and applied research, at some point, may be practical and useful. Each type of research lends itself to various types of research designs and methods of data collection, for example, experimental and descriptive (e.g., case studies). The choice of an appropriate design depends on the reflective inquiry, constraints of time, finances, human and material resources, and perhaps political concerns. We will now review the basic research methodologies and techniques.
LECTURE NOTES
BASIC RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES AND TECHNIQUES
[quantitative, applied, qualitative]
Experimental simulation
Experimental simulation employs a closed simulation model to mirror a segment of the 'real world.' Human subjects are exposed to this model and their responses are recorded. The researcher completely determines the nature and timing of the experimental events. Nature of results: quantitative/qualitative.
Laboratory experiment
With this methodology the researcher manipulates the independent variables, controls the intervening variables, and measures the effect of the independent variables on the dependent variables. Human subjects are commonly used in a laboratory setting. Nature of results: quantitative.
Field experiment
This methodology guides research that takes place in a "natural setting." The researcher manipulates the independent variables while trying to control the most important intervening variables. The researcher then measures the effects of observation of human subjects. The form of "systematic observation" is the basis for distinguishing between various forms of field studies. Nature of results: quantitative/qualitative.
Adaptive experiment
This is a "quasi-experimental" research methodology that involves before and after measures, a control group, and non-random assignment of human subjects. Data are gathered before the independent variables are introduced, but the final form is not usually known until after the independent variables have been introduced and the "after" data has been collected. Nature of results: qualitative.
Field study
Using this methodology the researcher does not manipulate any independent variables, but the dependent variables are systematically measured. The study is conducted in a natural setting using human subjects. Nature of results: qualitative.
The Delphi study
The Delphi study is a procedure designed to generate consensus opinions by systematically refining responses from a group of experts. [See: Hayes, R. M. (1982). Use of the Delphi technique in policy formulation; A case study of the "Public Sector/Private Sector Task Force." Unpublished manuscript, University of California, Los Angeles: Graduate School of Library & Information Science.] Nature of results: quantitative/qualitative.
Opinion research
Survey research and sampling
[See: Golden, G. (1982). Survey research methods. Chicago, IL: Association of College and Research Libraries.]
The objective of this methodology is to gather data on attitudes, opinions, impressions and beliefs of human subjects. This is accomplished by asking them (via questionnaires, interviews, etc.). This methodology allows testing of a priori hypotheses and offers an iterative approach to the generation of hypotheses. Nature of results: quantitative.
Case study
Using this methodology a particular subject, group of subjects or organization is observed by the researcher without intervening in any way. No independent variables are manipulated, no control is exercised over intervening variables and no dependent variables are measured. The case study attempts to capture and communicate the reality of a particular environment at a point in time. Nature of results: qualitative.
Historical or archival and bibliographical research
This methodology is primarily concerned with the examination of historical documents. Secondarily, it is concerned with any recorded data. All data are examined ex-post-facto (after the fact) by the researcher. Nature of results: quantitative/qualitative.
Bibliometrics
Bibliometics is concerned with the quantitative analysis of literature. [See: Pao, M. L. (1989). Concepts of information retrieval (Chapter 2). Englewod, CO: Libraries Unlimited.] Nature of results: quantitative.
References:
Angeles, P. A. (1981). Dictionary of philosophy. New York: Barnes & Noble Books.
Hernon, P. (1991). The elusive nature of research in LIS. In C. R. McClure & P. Hernon (Eds.), Library and information science research: Perspectives and strategies for improvement, pp. 3-14. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
Hirschheim, R. A. (1985). Information systems epistemology: An historical perspective. In E. Mumford, R.Hirschheim, G, Fitgerald, & A. T. Wood-Harper (Eds.), Research methods in information systems. Amsterdam: North-Holland.
Powell, R. R. (1991). Guides to conducting research in library and information science. In C. R. McClure & P. Hernon (Eds.), Library and information science research: Perspectives and strategies for improvement, pp. 15-30. Norwood, NJ: Ablex.
ASSIGNMENT
WORK TO BE SUBMITTED
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