Practical Research

Overview

In the text, “Practical Research” various research methods are discussed (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Good researchers gain knowledge by understanding the importance of research.

The purpose of this paper is to understand the value of a research proposal. Next, the paper will differentiate between a problem statement and a hypothesis statement. Lastly, the paper will provide insight to the sampling theory and evaluate research designs.

Discussion

Value of Research
Value. Understanding the value of research provides important knowledge in numerous ways. Good researchers will establish research proposal to format papers, dissertations and other materials. Research proposals add a significant amount of value by offering straightforward, clear, concise documents (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). By writing a clear-cut document researchers focus on the main objective of the material that is presented. This eliminates unnecessary cluttered information that may lie within the document. Research proposals should be clear in the most minute detail and form. According to Leedy and Ormrod research proposals, provide organization to the study or research project. It also communicates to the reader the planned intentions of the writer.

Research proposals are important because they offer a guideline for effective communication. Without a detailed proposal, the reader would be confused or make assumptions to what the writer is trying to explain. Research proposal should outline the study, eradicating the need for guessing. In addition, research proposals use headings and subheadings from levels one to level five, depending on the method (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). A good research proposal is like a road map; it should take the reader from point A to point B. Other important factors for research include developing a good problem statement and hypothesis statement.
Types of statements

Problem. Problem statements are developed through careful thought and consideration of the surrounding world. Leedy & Ormrod (2005), states, “The heart of every research project is the problem”. This means problems and research exist together. Research problems exist in a range of topics such as agriculture, economics, educations, heath care and so on. The possibilities are endless. To become a better-informed researcher and develop a problem statement, one must read literature about a topic of interest. This will allow the researcher a chance to explore his or her interest, before choosing a topic. Some researchers may want to attend professional conferences and seek advice of experts (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Experienced experts are able to answer questions and determine what needs to done. Problem statements should be intriguing, motivating and interesting. Researchers will want to pick topics that are unique that will capture the attention of others. By choosing, a topic that is intriguing and motivating the researcher will be able to build on the study. Researchers will want to stay away from boring lifeless studies. These topics will only hinder the researcher’s ability and waste time and effort.

Hypotheses. A hypotheses statement differs from a problem statement in several ways. A hypotheses statement is an educated guess about how a research problem came into existence (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Hypotheses statements are key to conducting trial based research, mostly found in qualitative research methods. Hypotheses exist in two forms; null and research. Null hypotheses are used in statistical studies and research hypotheses are used to disprove theories.

Sampling theory
The sampling theory is conducted by selecting a small group of objects to conduct research (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). The basis of the research will stem from a selection of questions about a residents or objects. Then the researcher will break down the sample further in a smaller group. Sampling methods subsists in probability, simple random, stratified random, proportional stratified, cluster, systematic and non-probability sampling. The sample method used will depend on the evidence and population type.

Research Designs
Research designs can be categorized into three groups to include, pre-experimental designs, true experimental designs, and quasi-experimental designs. Pre-experimental designs are limited in its capabilities, because it forms tentative hypotheses (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). This type of design is difficult to determine since much of the information is vague and should be followed up with more research. True experimental designs tend to produce a greater control and strength in groups. These designs tend to focus on randomness in a group. The quasi-experimental design does not control variables. This design is unique since it “takes whatever variables and explanations they have not controlled for into consideration when they interpret their data” (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Other research designs include ex post facto designs and factorial designs. Ex post facto designs are based on previously discovered materials. Factorial designs use larger samples to conduct experiments.

Conclusion

Opinion. The value of properly writing and understanding a research proposal is important for constructing materials. The major insight of practical research assembles around paying close attention to minute and careful details. Research proposals, problem statements, hypothesis statements and sampling theories are needed for good structuring techniques. This text provides a basis for properly conducting research. Researchers must also learn the importance of writing of writing clear-cut documents that focus on the central idea of the thought to be presented. Within the college environment, it will be vital to understand the correct methods and techniques when writing papers. This text provides a good reference tool for research with the American Psychological Association (APA) manual. One important note in the role of research is knowing when to quit (Leedy & Ormrod, 2005). Often researchers become redundant when writing literature. By understanding when to quit researchers, avoid repetition, which draws the attention away from the topic. The value of writing a good research proposal will contribute to a well-written project in the end.

Reference

Leedy, P.D., & Ormrod, J.E. (2005). Practical Research: Planning and design (5th ed).
Columbus OH. Merrill Prentice Hall.