The Nature and Tools of Research
1 Distinguish between (a) common uses of the term research that reflect misconceptions about what research involves and (b) the true nature of research in academic settings.
2 Describe the cyclical, iterative nature of research, including the steps that a genuine research project involves.
3 Distinguish among positivism, postpositivism, constructivism, and pragmatism/realism as philosophical underpinnings of a research project.
4 Identify examples of how six general research tools can play significant roles in a research project:
- (a) the library and its resources,
- (b) computer technology,
- (c) measurement,
- (d) statistics,
- (e) language,
- (f) the human mind.
5 Describe steps you might take to explore research in your field.
