Characteristics of Good Research - Essay Example

Characteristics of Good Research Introduction Good research is one of the foundational elements in the acquisition of knowledge. Research can be understood in its broadest implications, as the investigation of elements that reveals a furthered understanding of something. In a more specific perspective, it can be understood in terms of the qualitative or quantitative investigation into a research topic. With such importance related to research, it follows that determining what constitutes good research is a highly important topic. While thereexists an endless array of elements that goes into quality research, a number of overarching topics have been argued to be the most important by researchers. This essay considers the characteristics of good research, with specific emphasis on the subjects of validity, accuracy, and consistency. The essay then considers what constitutes good research in the work place environment. Validity One of the central issues that must be examined in terms of good research is validity. In examining validity its necessary to first establish a working definition of the concept. In terms of research, one oftentimes is apt to think of measures or samples measures as valid, when many scholars note that validity actually refers to propositions. In these regards, quantitative aspects such as samples and measures are not valid in themselves, but can lead to a valid conclusion. In these regards, “Validity is the extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure. It is vital for a test to be valid in order for the results to be accurately applied and interpreted” (Booth 2008, pg. 142). This understanding relates back to a foundational understanding of validity as an element of logic. While there are a variety of logical formulas that function to determine validity, they all have the same underlining concern with examining the fundamental pieces of the argument to determine if the conclusion that is reached can be termed an accurate one. In further articulating elements of validity, scholars distinguish between two types. The first type of validity is criterion-related validity. This type of validity if important for a number of reasons. Within this type of validity there are two further subcategories, referred to as concurrent validity and predictive validity. Criterion validity is the ability of the elements that go into the equation to determine the outcome (Booth 2008). In the sub-category of concurrent validity, scholars note that this is achieved when the elements that determine one conclusion can be concurrently factored into another conclusions to determine an outcome. This is perhaps best understood in terms of an example; for instance, concurrent validity would occur in a workplace situation if employees were administered an employment test, and then the results of this test were examined in relation to employment evaluations of these same individuals, then the researcher would be implementing concurrent validity in determining the conclusions. Its clear that this is a highly important aspect of research as it allows the researcher to gain a more in-depth perspective on the conclusion being argued. Similarly, predictive validity considers validity from slightly different perspective. An example of predictive ability would be if a test were administered to students and then the students progress was charted throughout their time in college; the correlation between the test and the students progress would then result in a factor that would constitute predictive validity. Another aspect of validity that is not directly related to criterion-related validity is construct validity. Construct validity is when the outcome or test scores relate to the theoretical model that it is being implemented. In these regards, construct validity asks, “Are we actually measuring (are these means a valid form for measuring) what (the construct) we think we are measuring?” (Booth 2008, pg. 145). As one might expect, this type of validity is complex such that it is difficult to articulate in descriptive terms. Rather, determining construct validity generally involves statistical analysis that measures common factors between studies being measured. Consistency Consistency is another important concept that is an essential characteristic in good research. Consistency has both foundations in logic, as well being referred to as a specific research concept, as in internal consistency. In terms of the specific research construct, internal consistency, consistency is understood in terms of the correlations between two elements on a test or research object. An example would be if there was a test that attempted to measure an individuals perspective a specific political candidates positions. If the research subject were asked multiple questions that related to this subject in a variety of ways and they ultimately revealed that the respondents perception was consistent with throughout, then the research test would be deemed to be consistent. When considering the importance of consistency in terms of research, there are far reaching elements. Without consistency, it is ultimately impossible to determine if the conclusions and validity of the research can be accepted. In these regards, consistency functions to establish the research as reliable and able to be utilized to draw broader conclusions for the particular purpose one may choose to utilize it in. Accuracy While research validity examines whether the premises of a conclusion are sound, accuracy is a characteristic that examines another element of research. Accuracy has been defined as the degree of closeness an element has to its actual value (Creswell 2008). In terms of research the importance of such a concept should come as no surprise as if one hopes to achieve results that are reliable and reflective of the actual reality of the situation. In terms of research, accuracy has a number of connotations. In one respect accuracy can refer to the extent that the research accurately adheres to a set of pre-defined research standards and is carried out to reflect these standards (Creswell 2008). In these regards, validity falls under the auspices of accuracy as the examination of a valid construct can have varying degrees of accuracy. Accuracy also can refer to a more qualitative sense, wherein one evaluates the research in terms of its arguments or propositions. In these regards, accuracy doesnt involve statistical measurement, but is advanced through ones assessment of the material in regards to a perceived state of accuracy. Still, there is another aspect of accuracy that considers it from a quantitative perspective. In these regards, accuracy has come to be considered in relation to precision. In determining accuracy within a quantitative perspective there are a number of equations that are utilized to make these assumptions. Ultimately, if it is determined that an investigation reveals that an entity is both accurate and precise, that it is determined to be valid. Research in the Workplace While validity, consistency, and accuracy constitute important elements within research, there are also characteristics of good research within the workplace. While a degree of scholarly research is termed as pure research, within the workplace or business environment much research is applied research (Kumar 2010). Applied research functions to allow companies to research elements that could ultimately contribute to improving their business and profit margin through increased efficiency and customer understanding (Kumar 2010). Similar to scholarly research, research within the workplace adheres to traditional standards of information collection. In these regards, in successfully carrying out applied research companies must adhere to a research process that includes a research proposal, hypothesis, design, and data sources. Conclusion In conclusion, its clear that there are a variety of characteristics of good research. In examining these characteristics, one notes that validity, consistency, and accuracy, are all important factors that must be adhered to if one is seeking to establish solid and reliable research methods. Finally, in terms of the workplace environment, its shown that generally applied research is utilized, along with established research methods as a means of improving workplace efficiency and profit. References Booth, W. (2008) The Craft of Research. Illinois: University of Chicago Press. Creswell, John. (2008) Research Design. New York: Sage Press. Kumar, Ranjit. (2010) Research Methodology. New York: Sage Publications. Read More