What kind of resources do you use to perform a research in your filed of work or study?

Dear All,

 

Thanks for everyone who joined in adding those valuable answers to my question, and I think that asking for resources to gather the required information around our topic concern will be the principal part in getting forward from hypothetical step to practical evaluation of our case study.

 

The success of the data collection phase often depends on the quality of the planning stage. How long data collection will take depends on the type of evidence required and the methods chosen for evaluation.

· Where is the information to be found?

· Who is best positioned to get it and when?

· In what form should the information be stored, analyzed, and presented?

 

There are two different types of data, which can be collected for any assessment:

1)     Quantitative dataare measurable and definable and can be converted into numbers and statistics. They are useful in showing absolute differences in what is being measured, such as percent changed. This type of data is commonly applied in medical, pharmaceutical and scientific researches as well as observations.

2)     Qualitative dataare descriptive and cannot be measured in absolute terms. This approach might be lesser use than Quantitative data, and can be mainly concentrated on using one or more of the following tools: interview questions, focus group discussions, or written commentaries and responses to open-ended questions.

 

Both types of data are useful. Where possible, it is often helpful to supplement objective, quantitative measures with more subjective and descriptive qualitative data.

A.    Study Related research topic(s):

= This approach is my first choice and the main one in gathering the right data in the field of study we plan to work on. Once we built the hypothetical ideas on such case or circumstances of events, the attention will be precisely paid to status evaluation at higher levels rather than making hypothesis.

= Web searching data, databases (electronic and documentary ones), and library resources (books, Journals, encyclopedias, visual or audio resources, and e-library data) are best examples of what could researcher use in the first place to establish his/her research.

 

B.                 Surveys

= Surveys rely on data collection through questionnaires. These may be written (distributed in hard copy or electronically) or administered orally (e.g., by telephone).

= Usually, in order to evaluate the impact of an intervention or a program, the survey is administered twice: once before and once after the intervention.

· Administering the survey before the intervention establishes baseline responses.

· A second round of surveys among the same group after the intervention will show whether there is a change in knowledge, behavior, or whatever other outcome being measured.

· In some cases, the survey may be applied a third time to assess longer-term impact. This is particularly useful when measuring behavior changes. It also helps to determine whether any short-term changes are sustained over time.

 

C.                Observations

= Observation of individuals who have been exposed to an intervention (e.g., observing serving practices at retail establishments after a server training program or observing group dynamics during the delivery of a program) can help measure any changes in behavior or outcomes.

= Case study, pilot study, single blind or double-blind studies design are the best approaches to evaluate any variables as well as conducting experiments as well.

= As in surveys, a “before” and “after” assessment is needed to compare and measure effects.

= Observation can help with determining whether a program is being delivered and implemented as planned and enable the evaluator to understand the situation and context. However, observation is time-consuming and expensive, and care must be taken with interpreting its results, usually requiring an expert.

 

D.                Experimental Research

= This is the most popular methodology and practically applied in medical as well as scientific approaches. 

= Most experimental research can be identified by three important characteristics:

§     Subjects are randomly assigned to experimental conditions.

§     The researcher manipulates an independent predictor variable.

§     Subjects in different experimental conditions are treated similarly with regard to all variables except the independent variable.

 

= Although it is acceptable to speak of predictor and response variables within the context of experimental research, it is more common to speak in terms of independent variables and dependent variables.

1- An independent variable is that variable whose values (or levels) the experimenter selects to determine what independent variable effects have on the dependent variable. The independent variable is the experimental counterpart to a predictor variable.

2- A dependent variable is some aspect of the subject’s behavior assessed to reflect the effects of the independent variable. The dependent variable is the experimental counterpart to a response variable.

 

= Remember that the terms predictor variable and response variable can be used with almost any type of research, but that the terms independent and dependent variable should be used only with experimental research.

= Researchers often refer to the different levels of the independent variable. These levels are also referred to as experimental conditions or treatment conditions and correspond to the different groups to which a subject can be assigned. The present example includes two experimental conditions, a “difficult goal condition” and an “easy goal condition.”

 

E.                 Interviews

= This approach allows a one-on-one relationship between the evaluator and the respondents, and is particularly useful where personal contact is important.

§     Interviews are especially helpful when the topic is complex and requires additional explanation or when there are languages (e.g., high illiteracy rate) or cultural barriers.

§     Interviews also allow for immediate follow-up on interesting issues that may come up during discussion.

= Given the nature of interviews, the sample size is likely to be relatively small, and the information obtained will depend heavily on the skill of the interviewer.

 

= One useful form of interview involves so-called key informants who can speak on behalf of a larger population sample.

§     Key informants are experts in a particular field who can provide a broad view, representing the state of knowledge or different cultural views.

§     These can be academics with expertise in a particular field or members of a community with knowledge of and ability to speak for the community as a whole.

§     Information can be obtained from key informants informally or in more formal ways through interviews, hearings, or surveys.

§     Key informants are frequently used to inform the work of bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO).

 

F.                 Focus groups

= Focus groups combine elements of both observation and interviewing, and a full discussion around this point can be easily found under the following question's answer: What does focus group mean? What value can this group add to research?

 

I wish to receive your comments and opinions around this issue, and I will accept your support to my answer as well.

 

Thanks,

 

Lubna

Books are the first weapon (from library to e-books)..recently published articles and specialists experience in relevant field.Theoretical and practical knowledge which I acquired is the final one.

i use different potable equipments in the field for analysis and research and computer lap top for studying research papers and analytical techniques

Marine Biotechnology

The resources for researches in family medicine varies from very simple resources (paper and pencils, e-mail messeges) as in surveys, to mere expensive ones as laboratory investigations, drugs, surgical operations, and so on.
In addition, manpower are sometimes needed e.g.
for data collection, research methodology and biostatistics consultations.

 

 library and e-books

Internet and libraries

various fields start with books, medical journals and the reliable sites on the Internet. 

These days online surveys have become my first option when it comes to collection of data. I use google forms for the most part.

here are many majors you can choose to narrow your focus. ... how resources are used while majoring in Natural Resource Conservation will teach you how to ... If you believe Natural Resources

First, determine the field of scientific research in general. 2. Identify the best databases and scientific journals 3. I define the basic studies in the field of scientific research 4. Identify the keywords used to search for studies 5. Start reading, but only read what you need 6. List the suggested topics and problems in the field of scientific research 7. Identify the problems of scientific research and the proposed topics that still exist If you have determined the topic that you will study in scientific research, the next step for you is to define the scientific research question and the steps that you will follow, God willing, to reach the goal.