1. Each of us touches one place
and understands the whole in that way.
The palm and the fingers feeling in the dark are
how the senses explore the reality of the
elephant.
If each of us held a candle there,
and if we went in together,
we could see it.
- Jelaluddin Rumi
3. research paradigm
a perspective about research held by a
community of researchers based on a set
of shared assumptions, concepts, values,
and practices
9. view of human behavior
Quan Qual
Behavior is regular
and predictable.
Behavior is fluid,
dynamic, and
situational, social,
contextual, and
personal.
15. form of data collected
Quan Qual
Based on precise
measurement using
structured and
validated data-
collection
instruments.
Based on data such as
in-depth interviews,
participant
observation, field
notes, and open-
ended questions.
19. form of final report
Quan Qual
Statistical report
(e.g. with
correlations,
comparisons of
means)
Narrative report with
contextual
description and direct
quotations from
research participants.
22. experimental research
research in which the researcher
manipulates the independent variable
and is interested in showing cause and
effect
23. nonexperimental research
research in which there is no
manipulation of the independent
variable and no random assignment to
groups by the researcher
32. One of my grad students copied a term paper from the
Internet, cutting and pasting from various uncredited
sources. The university’s rules say expulsion or an F in
the course is appropriate, but I proposed that she search
out the several dozen articles she used as to “composed”
her paper and write each author an apology. I will mail
the letters. My department chair thinks this is
unethical– a cruel and unusual punishment.
-- P.R., Houston
33. Unusual? Quite likely, but that’s necessarily a bad thing.
A roomy and inexpensive Manhattan room is unusual.
Cruel? I think not. This cheater is even spared the
torment of visiting the post office to mail the apologies.
But effectual? I doubt it. And that is the key. Your task
as a professor is to reinforce a respect for academic
integrity and preserve it in your classroom. I’m skeptical
that your method will do either.
-- R. Cohen, 2007
34. Do no harm.
It is best to safeguard against doing
anything that will harm the participants
in your study.
35. Privacy and Anonymity
Remove identifying information from your
records. Seek permission from the
participants if you wish to make public
information that might reveal who they
are or who the organization is.
40. Inappropriate Behavior
If you think you are getting close to
those you are studying, you probably
are. Back off and remember that you are
a researcher and bound by your code of
conduct to treat those you study with
respect.
41. Data Interpretation
You have a responsibility to interpret
your data and present evidence so that
others can decide to what extent your
interpretation is believable.
42. Data Ownership and
Rewards
If you have a winner on hand, you
might think about sharing some of the
financial benefits with others.
44. You interview college students
about life in campus. One student
tells you that his roommate seems
seriously depressed and spends
much time on the Internet looking
at sites for making bombs. Do you
tell someone?