Research is an organised, systematic, critical, often scientific way to find out about things or to answer questions. Researchers gather information, reflect on its meaning, arrive at a conclusion, evaluate the process and the conclusion, and then put forward an interpretation. Research is conducted to find new discoveries (for example, cures for particular diseases, ways to generate energy from the sun); to create understanding or knowledge (for example why people behave in a particular way in a particular circumstance); to build, test, confirm or refute a theory; and also on a more practical level to investigate issues and problems for local decision making (Williamson, 2002).

 

The role of research in shaping the society we live in cannot be understated or undervalued as it is through research that we refine what we know or discover new understandings. However, the modules have clearly shown that the journey to research is not merely testing ideas at a superficial level but rather a systematic and deliberate process. The analogy of a journey is quite apt as, with most journeys, there is a clear goal, a mapped process and unintended result.

 

One aspect of the research that I personally find interesting is the importance of the hypothesis. Just what do you intend to find at the end of this journey? After reading a range of journals, the value in defining your hypothesis is so critical in the way the research is planned, the methodology selected and ultimately how the findings are analysed and presented. The reason why I found this of particular interest is because it is similar to how we, as teachers, plan our lessons with the end in mind. 

 

Another interesting facet of this unit is the variety of methodologies researchers can employ. After reading the module, one strong element that I took away from it was the different types of data that can be extracted from qualitative and quantitative forms of research. 

 

A qualitative method emphasises exploration and understanding of the meaning humans make of their experience, social relations or practices. In interpretive and thus most qualitative research our focus is on people and their meaning-making activities (their experiences, actions, relationships, exchanges, and so on) (Module 2 readings, 2021). Whilst a quantitative method has an emphasis on objective approaches and the testing of theory through an examination of the relationship between variables (Creswell, 2009). Ultimately the choice of which methodology will come back to the intention of the research. Are you looking for statistics or do you want more of an in depth response? Of course, there is no right answer and it is also important to keep in mind the contexts, biases and analysis approaches as each come with their advantages and disadvantages. What about mixed methods?

 

In summation, it is quite evident that the science of research is more complex and dynamic than what I preconceived it to be upon reflection. It will be interesting to see how I take my research proposal given the multitude of journeys I can go on, but which one will ultimately lead me to my desired destination?