Methods for the Behavioral Sciences - Research Paper Example

 Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences Scientific method can be referred to as a set of techniques using which researchers investigate phenomena, by testing the validity of hypothetical propositions using systematic, controlled and critical examination. The objective of the scientific method is to acquire new knowledge or make incremental addition to previous knowledge. The process of coming to a conclusion using the scientific method makes use of a consistent series of steps. This series is comprised of highly interdependent steps that measure change, relating the change to a particular way of intervention and suggesting future research opportunities (Jayaratne & Levy, 1979, p. 3). The process starts with the identification of the research question, which is followed by background research to study the different variables related to the research question. This is followed by developing a hypothesis which is an educated assumption of the actual phenomena. This is followed by actual experiment to test the stated hypothesis. This step involves data collection and analysis as well as documenting the same. Various empirical techniques are used for this step of the process. Another important factor to be noted here is the element of control. In order to come to reasonable conclusions, it is necessary that all variables that are not related to the research question are kept under control. Analysis of the results helps us reach to suitable conclusions. Various retests can be done to ensure the validity of the experiment. This is followed by either accepting or rejecting the assumed hypothesis. Even though the scientific research is fairly efficient in acquiring new knowledge, it comes with its own problems especially in experiments studying human behavior. This is because of the umpteen numbers of variables that might be directly or indirectly related to the research question. Especially, human behavior is complex because of the uncertainty arising out of different personalities and ways in which each individual analyzes different variables. This makes it necessary for researchers using the scientific method for clinical research to understand the advantages as well as disadvantages of the same. Dependent variables v/s Independent variables The primary objective of a research is to identify the possibility of a relationship amongst variables. In most cases, it is to study the impact of one variable on the other. Based on this, variables used in research are classified under two categories: dependent and independent variables. An independent variable is one that is often controlled by the researcher. It is assumed that changes in the value of independent variable impacts the dependent variable. The researcher therefore, manipulates it by setting specific value and studying the impact on the dependent variable. This is the control element of the research process as the researcher is controlling it throughout the research process. The dependent variable is the one that is impacted by changes in the independent variable. This is the variable that is measured by the researcher throughout the research process to study the relationship. This is the measurement/ observation element of the research process. Different types of research as detailed by Portney and Watkins Various research techniques have been designed to carry out the scientific research process. There are two ways in which Portney and Watkins categorize research: Objective of the research (Basic and Applied research) Method of the research (Experimental and Non-experimental research) Basic Research Often a researcher is attracted towards a particular phenomenon because of intellectual curiosity rather than any potential practical utility of the finding. The objective of such research is to expand man’s knowledge rather than create or invent anything. This type of research is called the basic research or the fundamental research. This research is aimed at achieving understanding of the fundamental principles and gain new knowledge that may not have immediate practical utility (Stommel & Wills, 2004, p: 435). In most cases, basic research lays the foundation for the more advance applied research. Applied Research Applied research is the stream of research that is aimed at getting answers to practical problems. This research stream generally uses empirical methodologies and is carried out on actual research subjects on whom the results will be applied later. Most of the clinical researches fall under this category. Experimental Research Experimental research can be defined as the research methodology in which the researcher controls one of the variables and observes the impact of the changes in the resultant variables. This research methodology is generally used to identify cause and affect relationships between variables. Many research designs have been designed to carry this type of research such as quasi-experimental designs, sequential clinical trials, single-case experimental designs etc. Non-experimental research This research is used for researches that are exploratory in nature. This research lacks manipulation of the independent variable by the researcher and is generally used to study natural occurrence or past events. These are generally investigative in nature and explore various variables that do not have significant impact on the dependent variable. These researches do not generally use the control that exists in experimental research methods (Gravetter, & Forzano,2011, p: 165) Research process as described by Portney and Watkins Portney and Watkins divide the entire research process into five different phases: Phase I: Developing the research question Phase II: Designing the study and methods Phase II: Implementing the method through data collection Phase IV: Analyzing data Phase V: Communicating results Phase I: Developing the research question The researcher starts with framing a research question that he/she wants to be answered at the completion of the research. This helps the researcher in defining the boundary of the research. The researcher in this phase using literature review identifies the need to investigate the problem, proposes the hypothesis and identifies the variable. Phase II: Designing the study and methods During this phase, the researcher prepares the actual research design. This includes designing the methods of subject selection, testing and measurements. The various options chosen are dependent of the nature of the data and type of subjects. The design chosen should make sure that it is suitable to answer the research question. Phase III: Implementing the method through data collection This is the implementation phase of the design developed during Phase I and II. During this phase, the researcher actually collects the data and then reduces the same into useful information tidbits. Researcher should take extra precaution to ensure the accuracy and the reliability of the data collected. Phase IV: Analyzing data During this phase, the researcher using various empirical tools and techniques carry out data analysis to reach valid conclusions. As a result of this phase, the researcher can conclude whether to accept or reject the hypothesis. This analysis also leads to new questions which need to be answered as a part of the future research Phase V: Communicating results Once the researcher has reached a conclusion based on the experiment, it is his/her responsibility to publish it, so that the remaining world can make use of the research finding. The research can be published in various journals, or can be presented orally or thru’ posters. Comparison of the process to the one described in the "General Organization” document The research process as described in the “General Organization” document is very similar to that proposed by Portney and Watkins. While the general organization document starts with the definition of dependent and indepdent variables, the research process as proposed by Portney and Watkins starts with a specific research question. Both the approaches then make use of empirical techniques to test the validity of the stated hypothesis. The general organization document also talks about mentioning the concepts which need to be clearly defined for future reference. This is followed by description of the research methodology adopted. This is important so that other researchers can test the research in other circumstances. In both the approaches, this is followed by analysis of the statistical findings. The researcher then makes conclusion and completes the research process in both the cases. References Gravetter, F.J., & Forzano, L.B. (2011). Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences. Belmont: Cengage Learning. Jayratne, S., & Levy, R.L. (1979). Empirical clinical practice. New York: Columbia University Press. Stommel, M., & Wills, C. (2004). Clinical research: concepts and principles for advanced practice nurses. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Read More