Introduction to Research Methods – College Notes
Research methods refer to the techniques and procedures used to collect, analyze, and
interpret data in a systematic way. Research is important because it helps generate new
knowledge and solve problems.
There are two main types of research: qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative
research focuses on non-numerical data such as opinions and experiences, while
quantitative research deals with numerical data and statistical analysis.
Research designs provide a framework for conducting a study. Common research designs
include descriptive, experimental, and correlational research.
Data collection methods include questionnaires, interviews, observations, and experiments.
The choice of method depends on the type of research being conducted.
Sampling is the process of selecting a small group from a population to represent the entire
population. Common sampling techniques include random sampling and purposive
sampling.
Data analysis involves organizing and interpreting collected data to draw conclusions.
Quantitative data is often analyzed using statistics, while qualitative data is analyzed using
themes.
Research ethics are principles that guide researchers to conduct studies responsibly. They
include informed consent, confidentiality, and honesty.
Research reports present findings in an organized manner and usually include an
introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
