Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Strengths
Study findings can be generalized to the population about which information is required.
Structural factors that determine how inequalities (such as gender inequalities) are produced
can be analyzed.
Clear documentation can be provided regarding the content and application of the survey
instruments so that other researchers can assess the validity of the findings.
Standardized approaches permit the study to be replicated in different areas or over time with
the production of comparable findings.
It is possible to control for the effects of extraneous variables that might result in misleading
interpretations of causality (although this can be challenging in the natural settings of
evaluations).
Weaknesses
Many kinds of information are difficult to obtain through structured data collection
instruments, particularly on sensitive topics such as domestic violence or income.
Many groups such as sex workers, drug users, illegal immigrants, squatters and ethnic
minorities are always difficult to reach, but the problems are often greater for QUANT data
collection methods.
There is often no information on contextual factors to help interpret the results or to explain
variations in behavior between households with similar economic and demographic
characteristics.
Studies are expensive and time-consuming, and even the preliminary results are usually not
available for a long period of time.
Research methods are inflexible because the instruments cannot be modified once the study
begins.
The correlations produced (e.g., between costs and benefits, gender, and access to services or
benefits) may mask or ignore underlying causes or realities.
Errors in the hypotheses tested may yield misimpressions of program quality or influential
factors.
Errors in the selection of procedures for determining statistical significance can result in
erroneous findings regarding impact.
In natural sciences and social sciences, quantitative research is the systematic empirical
investigation of observable phenomena via statistical, mathematical or computational
techniques.[1] The objective of quantitative research is to develop and employ mathematical
models, theories and/or hypotheses pertaining to phenomena. The process of measurement is
central to quantitative research because it provides the fundamental connection between
empirical observation and mathematical expression of quantitative relationships. Quantitative
data is any data that is in numerical form such as statistics, percentages, etc.[1] The researcher
analyzes the data with the help of statistics. The researcher is hoping the numbers will yield an
unbiased result that can be generalized to some larger population. Qualitative research, on the
other hand, asks broad questions and collects word data from phenomena or participants. The
researcher looks for themes and describes the information in themes and patterns exclusive to
that set of participants.
Qualitative research produces information only on the particular cases studied, and any more
general conclusions are only hypotheses. Quantitative methods can be used to verify which of
such hypotheses are true.
Quantitative research is generally made using scientific methods, which can include:
Types of Variables
All experiments examine some kind of variable(s). A variable is not only something that we
measure, but also something that we can manipulate and something we can control for. To
understand the characteristics of variables and how we use them in research, this guide is
divided into three main sections. First, we illustrate the role of dependent and independent
variables. Second, we discuss the difference between experimental and non-experimental
research. Finally, we explain how variables can be characterised as either categorical or
continuous.
Therefore, the aim of the tutor's investigation is to examine whether these independent
variables - revision time and IQ - result in a change in the dependent variable, the students'
test scores. However, it is also worth noting that whilst this is the main aim of the experiment,
the tutor may also be interested to know if the independent variables - revision time and IQ -
are also connected in some way.
In the section on experimental and non-experimental research that follows, we find out a little
more about the nature of independent and dependent variables.
Students need the fundamental skills and knowledge of inquiry and research to be
information literate. Information literacy is a prerequisite for success in all subjects of the
curriculum, for preparation for work and further education, and for lifelong learning.
The purpose of inquiry and research is to encourage high levels of critical thinking so that
processes and resources are appropriate, conclusions are based on supporting evidence
and problems are solved and decisions made that will extend learning for a lifetime.
All subjects require attention to the expectations of this strand. However, research
demonstrates that students benefit most when they engage in systematic study of the
process of research and in varied, continuous and well-planned opportunities to extend
their information skills.
Research seeks to advance the existing body of knowledge in virtually all disciplines.
Although stereotypical depictions suggest research is conducted in laboratories, it is
actually performed in virtually all subjects from English to physics, from health sciences
to history, from chemistry to criminal justice. Different methods are employed, but, at its
most fundamental level, research seeks to expand understanding.
Why faculty conduct research
Faculty members are tasked with discovering and creating new knowledge and sharing
that knowledge as well as their systematic methods of acquiring it with students.
Faculty members who perform research gain the respect of their colleagues, stay at the
forefront of their fields, and are able to share their disciplines latest developments with
students. They tend to collaborate with scholars from other universities, consider new
interpretations and methods, and bring valuable grant funding to the university.
Benefits to Students
Teaching and research are far from mutually exclusive; they are, in fact, complementary
activities. Students benefit tremendously from involvement in hands-on research
experiences and develop valuable practical and analytical skills from their participation.
Faculty who conduct research share up-to-date information with students and give them
the opportunity to explore fields of interest in greater depth. The best and brightest
students are often attracted to a university because of the opportunity to work closely
with faculty; as a result, outstanding research programs tend to help recruit great students
at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The public benefits when sophisticated faculty expertise is employed to improve quality of
life. Research addresses a variety of pertinent local and state issues, solves practical
problems, and encourages economic diversification. UNLV is particularly committed to
conducting research that is beneficial to the community, state, and region.
Economic Vitality
University research creates knowledge that can lead to new technologies, commercial
products, and development of industries that can have a significant impact on the
economy. UNLV researchers are working to create such new technologies and intellectual
property with commercialization potential. In addition to providing a revenue stream to
the university, this could also bring business opportunities and jobs to our area.