The Cycle of Empirical Research:

A few Comments

Patricia M. Shields

POSI 5335

Beginning

Find a Topic

Learn about the topic --- Read---Write---Think---connect to experience

This is where the literature review begins---
gives you a purpose and deadline so that you will Read---Write---Think

In this phase, articles and books should be collected, skimmed, sorted. The initial reading material should be identified and read.

As the search process unfolds, think about the following questions: –What interests me? -What topic would fit with my career goals? –Are there questions in my work environment that need addressing? -Would it be a good idea for me to learn more about the history and legislative foundations of the field I work in? -Do I have access to data or individuals that I could use for the Applied Research Project? –What are my strengths and weaknesses as a student and professional?

Formulate the Research Question
As you Read-Write-Think and connect to experience, the question should begin to emerge and focus. The actual question should be tied to the topic but much more narrow.

Middle

Determine research purpose--- This connects to your question
Exploratory
Descriptive
Gauging
Decision Making
Explanatory

Most research questions that are empirical can be classified by a research purpose. This part of the research process helps the researcher to sort out where their research question fits in a broader context. Also, identification of the purpose provides a link to the kinds of theoretical and methodological approaches the researcher will use to collect data.

Find Conceptual Framework to aid in answering question/addressing purpose
Working Hypotheses
Conceptual Categories
Ideal Types or Standards
Models of Operations Research
Formal Hypotheses

The questions students ask in their applied research project are complex. The conceptual framework allows the student to organize the complexity and it helps to direct the collection of the data. The conceptual framework connects the research question/purpose, the literature, the data collection instrument, and interpretation of the empirical evidence.

Determine the Research Design or technique/method used to answer the question.
Survey
experiment or quasi-experimental design
document analysis
focus groups
structured interviews
content analysis
analysis of existing data
analysis of archival records
direct observation

Case Study – usually involves one or more of the above methods

Operationalization of the conceptual framework The activities depend on the method used. For survey research the survey instrument is designed – using the conceptual framework as a basis. For content analysis the coding sheet is designed - using the conceptual framework as a basis. Decisions about variable measurement are refined if a formal hypotheses is used.

Deal with research design planning-implementation. Steps and timetables are developed. Decisions about the population, sample and statistical techniques are made.

End

Collect Data e.g. distribute surveys, collect surveys; check document

Data entry

Summarize Data -- Test Hypotheses ---
Compare results with expected results

Answer Research question ---- Organize the information (Use the conceptual framework as your guide) Write-think-connect to experience

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System.