2. What is Research?
• Research is a systematic and
purposeful process of asking
questions, gathering data, and drawing
conclusions to inform decisions, solve
problems, or expand knowledge.
• Used in both academic and applied
settings
• Involves critical thinking and
structured inquiry
• Aims to explain, predict, and influence
behavior or phenomena
3. Objectives of Research
Describe: Gather
information to create a
profile or overview.
Explain: Uncover
relationships between
variables or events.
Predict: Use known data
to forecast future
outcomes.
Control: Implement
strategies to influence
outcomes.
Evaluate: Measure the
effectiveness of programs
or interventions.
4. Motivation for
Research
• Motivations behind research vary
and may include:
– Personal curiosity or
intellectual growth
– Solving social or organizational
problems
– Academic or professional goals
– Desire to influence public
policy or community
outcomes
– Ethical or faith-driven inquiry
5. Key Terms and
Concepts
Hypothesis (Null, Alternative,
One-Tailed, Two-Tailed)
Variables (Independent,
Dependent, Extraneous)
Sampling (Random, Stratified,
Opportunity, Snowball, etc.)
Validity and Reliability
Ethics (Consent, Deception,
Protection from Harm)
6. Types of Research Methods
Experiments (Lab,
Field, Natural)
Observations (Covert,
Overt, Participant,
Naturalistic)
Case Studies
Interviews
(Structured,
Unstructured)
Questionnaires and
Surveys
Correlational Studies
7. Research in Action Activity
• Observe a real-world setting (workplace,
community, etc.)
• Identify a problem being solved or decision
being made
• Examine the approach: Is it structured?
Strategic? Trial-and-error?
• Reflect using the 'Research in Action Survey'
• Goal: See research methods in everyday life
8. Assessment
and
Completion
• Complete the 'Research in
Action Quiz' (30–45 min)
• Take the Module 1 Quiz (80%
required to proceed)
Recommended: Review Simply
Psychology’s comprehensive
overview on research methods
