The+Research+Process


 * Action Research** is a common research method. Action Research requires you to:
 * ** Reflect **
 * ** Plan **
 * ** Act **
 * ** Observe **

Think of Action Research as a continuous cycle that looks like this:



**Other Research Methods** Look at the document below to find out about some of the other research methods:



** Qualitative and Quantitative Research ** Your learning strengths will determine if you conduct quantitative or qualitative research.

Explores attitudes, behaviour and experiences through such methods as interviews. It attempts to get an in-depth opinion from participants. As it is attitudes, behaviour and experiences which are important, fewer people take part in the research, but the contact with these people tends to last a lot longer. Qualitative research is concerned with the depth of response. It is more subjective and relies on the researcher to interpret information.
 * Qualitative research **

Generates statistics through the use of large-scale survey research, using methods such as questionnaires. If a market researcher has stopped you on the streets, or you have filled in a questionnaire which has arrived through the post, this falls under the umbrella of quantitative research. This type of research reaches many more people, but the contact with those people is much quicker than it is in qualitative research. Quantitative research requires measurement and analysis of objective data. It often uses scientific methods which involves the generation of models, theories and hypothesis.
 * Quantitative research **

Consider your learning strenths when selecting your research method. You need to be able to explain why you have chosen one method over another. Here are some examples:
 * What is best for you? **
 * If you are a bodily/kinesthetic learner where you enjoy 'hands on' activities, you might consider the enterprise or technological method of research. You might find it enjoyable to do a Research Project that is more practical.
 * If you are a logical/mathematical learner, you might consider subject based research with a focus on maths, science or agriculture. You might find it enjoyable to incorporate some sort of experiment into your Research Project that requires you to record and analyse your results. Quantitative research might suit you.
 * If you are an interpersonal learner, you might consider family and intergenerational research. You relate well to others so you might enjoy interviewing a range of people. Qualitative research might suit you.

** Answer these questions in as much detail as possible. Add them into your Research Journal: **
**1. List all the research methods mentioned on this page.****2. What are the 4 stages of Action Research?****3. Give a practical example of how could apply the Action Research model to your Research Project. Here is an example:**

**4. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?****5. Of all the research methods outlined above, which one(s) do you think best matches your learning style? Give reasons for your answer.**