Types of Research
The first type of research is known as grounded theory research. According to Noble & Mitchell (2016), this type of research focuses on the generation of theories. The theory comes as a result of data which has been collected and analyzed systematically. Research plays a critical role in deciphering group behaviors and social relationships. The second type of research is known as the ethnographic research study. Van Hulst, Koster, & Vermeulen, (2015) assert that the research primarily focuses on aspects such as behaviors, interactions, and perceptions that manifest in organizations, teams, and communities. Ethnographic research is a unique study that bases itself on the gathering of participant interviews and observations. Ethnographers use methods which enables them to immerse themselves into a particular setting or population thereby acquiring the first-hand experience of the outcomes.
The phenomenological inquiry focuses on obtaining knowledge about how people think and feel. Bentz & Shapiro (1998) point out that the research emphasizes on what goes inside an individual to further appreciate what a person undergoes in a lived experience. The aim is to ensure that a person can provide human experience in a way that they understand best. Lastly, quantitative problem emphasizes on the quantification of problems by means of generating numerical data. The data can then be converted into useful statistics. Through the interpretations, opinions, attitudes, and behaviors can eventually be developed.
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Components of a Research Process
The research process begins by identifying the research problem. The problem must be vividly stated and expressed explicitly in an interrogative form. The research objective is a statement of purpose that identifies the investigation in question. The hypothesis is a wise guess temporarily adopted in a bid to explain observed facts in a study. The hypothesis can either be null or alternative. The null hypothesis is stated in a negative form to deny the existence of a trait or a characteristic. On the other hand, the alternative hypothesis affirms the presence of a phenomenon. The review of the literature provides the theoretical underpinnings of the concept in question by discussing the authors’ views and perspectives (Bunge, 2012). The literature review plays two fundamental roles, including providing the theoretical and conceptual frameworks for the study. The assumptions are the presumed facts and statements related to the research problem.
Bunge (2012) asserted that sampling involves the process of acquiring a small portion of objects, people, or items from a larger population to assist in the process of measurement. Realistically, a research study cannot use a huge population as this would require immense time and resources. On the contrary, it needs a representation of the broader population, which will act as a substitute. The method or methodology section outlines the steps taken to complete a research study. It includes the procedure, participants, study design, materials, equipment, and variables, among others. Lastly, the findings are the immediate outcomes of the research.
Informed Consent
Nijhawan et al. (2013) say, “Informed consent is an ethical and legal requirement for research involving human participants.” The participant gets the opportunity to acquire all the aspects of the trial, which will inform their decision to voluntarily participate in the study. The authors further emphasize that informed consent is a mandatory component for any research study that involves the use of human beings as the primary subjects. Several aspects are involved in the process of acquiring a person’s informed consent to participate in a study. First, the investigator in the research will explain the study to the potential subject by giving them all the necessary information ranging from the purpose to the procedures, benefits, risks, and alternatives. The potential subject will receive enough time to ask any questions.
After the verbal explanation, the prospective participant will be given a written consent form. Here, they will be given enough time to figure out whether or not to participate in the research study. The time could range from hours to days, and it depends on how well the person can decipher the procedures, benefits, risks, and alternatives, among others. The investigator and the potential participant will then meet for further deliberations and to answer any questions. The person will only sign if they are certain, without any reasonable doubt, that they have understood all the requirements of the research (Nijhawan et al., 2013). Witnesses can be required if the potential participant is not of sound mind, they cannot read or write, or in instances where participants are minors.
Unethical Actions in Research Studies
Fouka & Mantzorou (2011) defines ethics as “branch of philosophy which deals with the dynamics of decision making concerning what is right and wrong.” Although ethics remains an essential aspect of consideration in research, it has not always been taken into account. A good example is in the Tuskegee syphilis research study of the 20 th century. Unethical activities involve the failure to give informed consent where the participants receive information about the study that will eventually determine the choice of participation. Harming the participants goes against the ethical principle of nonmaleficence and beneficence. It is also unethical for an investigator to fail to consider the autonomy of the participant. The subjects must be in a position to accept or refuse specific procedures throughout the research process. Fouka & Mantzorou (2011) further discuss the importance of confidentiality and anonymity in studies. It is unethical to breach confidentiality and most importantly, to disclose the identity of the participants. Additionally, a breach of privacy where information, values, and beliefs about the participants are exposed to the public without their consent is also wrong.
References
Bentz, V. M., & Shapiro, J. J. (1998). Mindful inquiry in social research. Sage Publications.
Bunge, M. (2012). Scientific research II: The search for truth. Springer Science & Business Media.
Fouka, G., & Mantzorou, M. (2011). What are the major ethical issues in conducting research? Is there a conflict between research ethics and the nature of nursing?. Health Science Journal, 5(1).
Nijhawan, L. P., Janodia, M. D., Muddukrishna, B. S., Bhat, K. M., Bairy, K. L., Udupa, N., & Musmade, P. B. (2013). Informed consent: Issues and challenges. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 4(3), 134.
Noble, H., & Mitchell, G. (2016). What is grounded theory?. Evidence-based nursing, 19(2), 34-35.
Van Hulst, M., Koster, M., & Vermeulen, J. (2015). Ethnographic research. Encyclopedia of Public Administration and Public Policy, 3rd ed, London: Taylor & Francis, 1-5.
