Chapter 2 - The research process: getting started. After reading this chapter, you should be able to: Explain why the research process starts with identifying the research problem, develop a preliminary question from a topic or issue, explain why a preliminary question is superior to a topic in conducting library research, evaluate preliminary questions for their completeness and clarity,. | Chapter 2 The Research Process: Getting Started Researcher as a detective Seeking answers to questions Answer exists, but is unknown to you If the answer is not known or available, conduct research to find the answer Research process depends on your abilities to search for and track down information The Research Process Model Rules and traditions to be followed Multiple paths exist Proceeds logically and steadily, yet is circular and cyclical Be aware of obstacles and pitfalls The Deductive Research Model Theory guides the investigation Gather data to assess whether theory is correct Move from known position to data The Inductive Research Model Gather and analyze data framed around research question Formulate theories based on data Move from specific data to more general explanation Identifying the Research Problem Ideas from your experiences Ideas from the media Turn broad topics into preliminary questions What do your questions assume? Rephrase for clarity . | Chapter 2 The Research Process: Getting Started Researcher as a detective Seeking answers to questions Answer exists, but is unknown to you If the answer is not known or available, conduct research to find the answer Research process depends on your abilities to search for and track down information The Research Process Model Rules and traditions to be followed Multiple paths exist Proceeds logically and steadily, yet is circular and cyclical Be aware of obstacles and pitfalls The Deductive Research Model Theory guides the investigation Gather data to assess whether theory is correct Move from known position to data The Inductive Research Model Gather and analyze data framed around research question Formulate theories based on data Move from specific data to more general explanation Identifying the Research Problem Ideas from your experiences Ideas from the media Turn broad topics into preliminary questions What do your questions assume? Rephrase for clarity Evaluating Your Questions Clearly stated? Do others agree about its clarity? Asks only one question? Communication orientation? Biased? Can it be observed or measured? Time and resources? Who would be interested? How could the information be used? Library Resources Scholarly articles in academic journals Communication journals Multidisciplinary journals Scholarly books Single-authored Edited collections Basic Library Search Identify key terms Keyword search for each term in university catalog Keyword search to combine terms Examine resources for alternative keywords Communication databases Expanded Academic Index Read articles and books Can you answer your question? Detailed Library Search Communication Yearbook Handbooks of communication Web of Science Other databases and resources Read articles and books Can you answer your question? Web Resources Search engines Meta-search engines Determine validity and utility of posted information Date Author or sponsor Adjusting .
