Chapter 2

Before we start we need to get some definitions down. we must first understand what are theories and concepts. In social sciences we have theories which are proposed in order to explain some sort of phenomenon, in other words find explanations for interrelated patterns, concepts and events. We then have concepts which are generalization of ideas. These ideas can have symbolic meanings, or an association by symbols or verbal communications. Ideas are the starting point for any research, we obtain them by just sitting back an observing and cultivating question we from the actions we observe. When speaking about research there are two different methods that are mostly used and are said to be opposing although are interrelated. Those are research before theory, and theory before research. Lets dissect research before theory that is done by observational methods and generate different types of research in order to formulate the theory. On the reverse theory before research, we would first try to find out the issue or question to which we would go out and do research. Both of these use linear progression which starts in one point goes through a straight line to get to the end.

Ideas —> Theory —> Design —> Data Collection —> Analysis —> Finds

We also have sprawling which is research that has a basis like a linear progression but you really never finish any certain step you may go forward and backward at any specific time. The ideas may change as you progress and thus have to go back a step or two in order to proceed. We also have sprawling which is research that has a basis like a linear progression but you really never finish any certain step you may go forward and backward at any specific time. The ideas may change as you progress and thus have to go back a step or two in order to proceed.

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When doing research is pertinent that we find literature review, we start this by finding journals by other researcher made about your current research or anything that has similar finding. We are in the 21st century so we do use a lot of internet, but do not get boggled down by computer searches or googling to find these journals. Best way is to actually step into the library for journals and or books that have your topic. The main issue with the internet its that their may be a limitation on what your researching on the internet or you might find too much and it might be hard to condense. If you decide to use internet sources, be aware of whether the page your looking at is legitimate. To verify the validity of internet searched resources, 1st look at URL, 2nd domain names are crucial in example .edu, .gov, .org, .com, ect, 3rd look at material dates make sure they are current, 4th make sure the page cannot be collaborated, meaning people can not add or update information (if so do not use).

Now know how to get these journals we must obtain information without cheating out the original writer. I will give you tips to follow in oder to prevent that:

Make sure record full citation information for the article or journal.Please write out quotes, explanations, definitions. If your quoting make sure to its word for word since your using to assist in your paper or research, don't plagiarize. Also be organized when dealing with other peoples work you would not want to use incorrect authors work and cite it incorrectly.

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Designing projects

When starting the design of our projects we need to know if we are using single data collection or are we using triangulation. When initiating the organizational portion we can use concept mapping. I find that concept mapping is very effective if your a visual person which I am.

Concept mapping is laying everything out in a way that make sense to you there are general guidelines to making it organized. When creating a concept map we 1st need to fist list all the concepts. Then we want to rearrange them in order from abstract ideas to more specific ones. After that we place notes in columns or bullet points underneath the ideas for which it mostly associated with. Then we want to rearrange your ideas in a way that sense like placing the ideas mostly closely related near each other since they might be interrelated. Then we should be able to distinguish ideas thus we can use our literature reviews to make our connections. Then you might want to place visuals for each idea. You might want to connect the ideas with lines, and or circle. Lastly you can start to refine your ideas in other words clean up concepts to make it more coherent.

Before you can start with interviews you must find the appropriate population and setting for your your study.

1st entry or access is possible

2nd appropriate people (target populations)

3rd There is a high probability that what the researcher is needing to conduct the study is available E.g, people interactions and structures that are related to the question are accessible

4th The research can be conducted effectively during the data collection phase.

In other words be concise when selecting a place to do your interviews do not set place where there are many people, that can be distracting.

When sampling, you must be aware of the size or number of participants needed, also the type of participants that would be key for the research. There are a multitude of types of sampling. We have simple random sampling which is left to complete chance. We also have systematic random sampling which is used when identify the population but then leave it up to chance. There is also stratified, where its insured the right people are in the research by they are divided accordingly. Although there are many different ways to sample the one Im focusing in my research is the accidental or available sample which are a population that is convenient, or close and easy to sample.

As we continue the obtainment of data we must have a clear organizational form of safe keeping documentation, remember we are handling peoples identities and personal information, we need to have a system to be able to retrieve this information if need be or for addition to the research paper.

The last thing need to do when doing research is formulate the conclusions to the study, what was released what where the finding. There is a need for verification, which can be done with the information obtained through the literature reviews.