Chapter1 - The nature and purpose of research. After reading Chapter 1, you should be able to: Explain the relationship between research and a profession, describe the nature of research, explain the scientific method, understand the various types of research classifi cations and how they are applied. | Conducting and Reading Research in Health and Human Performance Chapter 1 The Nature and Purpose of Research Consumer of Research Information Advil “Nothing is proven more effective or longer lasting than Advil.” Oral-B Toothbrush “You can buy a fancier toothbrush. But you can’t buy a more effective one.” Duracell Battery “No other battery lasts longer.” Revlon Skin Cream “In just one week, fine dry lines and wrinkles are reduced by over 38%.” Essence of a Profession The pursuit of knowledge and its dissemination is a unique characteristic of a “profession” Research is the basis for advancing the body of knowledge of a profession What is your vision of a researcher???????? Research Defined Not really a universal definition A structured way of answering questions, a systematic method of inquiry Research is nothing more or less than finding answers to a question in a logical, orderly, and systematic fashion Two key components Systematic in nature Focuses on a question of interest Sources of Knowledge Myth or tradition Authority Observation or personal experience Logic or deductive reasoning Scientific inquiry Objective Data Gathering Controlled Nature Deductive Reasoning Uses logic that moves from general to specific Model for review of literature . . . enables the researcher to organize and synthesize available information, theorize about the problem, and deduce hypotheses to be tested by the research Categorical Syllogism Every mammal has lungs. All rabbits are mammals. Therefore, every rabbit has lungs. Inductive Reasoning Uses logic that moves from the specific to general Fundamental principle of scientific method . . . based upon observations of a small group, generalizations are made to a larger population Categorical Syllogism Every rabbit that has been observed has lungs. Therefore, every rabbit has lungs Imperfect vs. Perfect Induction The Scientific Method A way of solving problems and acquiring knowledge that involves both deductive and inductive . | Conducting and Reading Research in Health and Human Performance Chapter 1 The Nature and Purpose of Research Consumer of Research Information Advil “Nothing is proven more effective or longer lasting than Advil.” Oral-B Toothbrush “You can buy a fancier toothbrush. But you can’t buy a more effective one.” Duracell Battery “No other battery lasts longer.” Revlon Skin Cream “In just one week, fine dry lines and wrinkles are reduced by over 38%.” Essence of a Profession The pursuit of knowledge and its dissemination is a unique characteristic of a “profession” Research is the basis for advancing the body of knowledge of a profession What is your vision of a researcher???????? Research Defined Not really a universal definition A structured way of answering questions, a systematic method of inquiry Research is nothing more or less than finding answers to a question in a logical, orderly, and systematic fashion Two key components Systematic in nature Focuses on a question of interest .
