Demonstrate understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the ability to design a research project, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize research literature;
Introduction
The library is often the destination for many patron research projects. But, this type of research is really just the information gathering process. True research can be defined as “a process that leads to the dependable resolution of problems or things about which we want to know more” (Powell, 2018, P. 243). We are concerned with the research that moves the field of Library Science forward in a concrete way. Historically, much library research “did not produce generalizable results, did not build on previous related research, was methodologically unsophisticated, and did relatively little to build a theoretical foundation for the LIS field” (Powell, 2018, P. 244). True research in the LIS field needs to demonstrate the use of a rigorous methodology.
Borrowing from social science research, the LIS field uses the research design process to produce quality research projects. This process starts with the conceptualization of one’s idea and clearly defining the research question. Earl Babbie (2021) who has written one of the definitive books, currently in its 15th edition, on the practice of social research, states that one of the most important and difficult aspects of research question formulation is specifying the program’s goal and defining how that goal will be measured. This is not a trivial issue as researcher bias, general trends in society, choice in historical measurement techniques, and even the political landscape can affect the definition (Babbie, 2021).
Once the research question is clearly defined, one chooses the research method. Some common research methods are survey research, field research, and content analysis. Each research method has advantages and disadvantages so often the best research is conducted by combining more than one method (Babbie, 2021, P. 115).
Operationalization is the next step in the research design process. This step is important as it is where one will define the measurement techniques, select the research variables, decide on the data collection technique specifics, define the population to study, and finalize the sample within that population. It is in this step that one decides on which qualitative or quantitative research methods to use.
Qualitative research is often associated with field research conducted via observation and in depth less structured interviews. Researchers who participate in qualitative research look to understand a specific problem in detail. This type of research does not lend itself to making broad generalizations (Babbie, 2021, P. 324).
Qualitative research “converts data to a numerical form and subject it to statistical analyses” (Babbie, 2021, P. 416). Researchers who use qualitative methods collect data using surveys and then convert that data into some sort of machine-readable form by creating a coding schema (Babbie, 2021, P. 324). It is by applying statistical analysis to these results that one is able to see frequencies and distributions which inform analysis.
Next, one performs the actual study, for example by mailing the surveys to the participants or conducting focus groups. The final three steps in the research design process are data processing, statistical analysis, and communicating out the findings to the stakeholders.
When one is following the research design process a research proposal is the vehicle that one fleshes out the above steps. The research proposal also includes a significant literature review to understand what has been said about your research topic and where there are gaps in past research (Babbie, 2021, P. 118). The research proposal also will include a defined schedule, budget, and possibly an institutional review board component.
Competency development
In INFO 200 I became very familiar with reading many formal research studies. The research paper assignment in that class included practice writing a literature review which is a major part of any research proposal. It was not until I took INFO 285 that I learned specifics about the research design process. INFO 285 gave me a chance to practice defining research variables and the appropriate measurements for these variables. I also practiced writing survey questions, conducting an interview, and writing up interview notes. Finally, in INFO 285 I analyzed the raw data of a real grant project to draw conclusions from that research.
Evidence Description
INFO 200 – The Women’s March Community Literature Review
I am including the literature review paper to show that I understand and can perform a thorough literature review. The literature review is one of the main components of the research proposal.
INFO 285 – Formulating the Research Question
I submit this paper discussing the important aspects to consider when designing the research question to show my understanding of this crucial piece of the research method.
INFO 285 – Braille Literacy Grant Variables, Measuring, and Sampling
I am submitting this paper which is an example of the operationalization step in the research methodology. In this step one identifies variables and defines how to measure those variables. It also discusses the population sample decisions.
INFO 285 – Braille Literacy Grant Evaluation Report
The final step of the research method is reporting out one’s findings. I am submitting this evaluation report to show an example of my ability to analyze data, draw substantial conclusions, and report out to stakeholders in a concise and persuasive way.
Concluding Remarks
Research is an important to move the LIS field forward. The research design process offers a structure that incorporates many vital research decisions and helps ensure the results be beneficial to the entire LIS community. Many studies incorporate both quantitative and qualitative research methods in order to take advantage of the strengths of both. A thorough understanding of how research is performed provides an information professional with the background necessary to perform a critical review of published research.
References
Babbie, E. (2021). The Practice of Social Research. (15th ed). Cengage Learning, Inc.
Powell, R. R. (2018). Research. In K. Haycock & M.-J. Romaniuk (Eds.), The portable MLIS: insights from the experts (Second edition, pp. 243-254). Libraries Unlimited, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Last updated October 17, 2021 7:45 am.
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