“By doubting we come to inquiry, and by inquiry we perceive truth.”

Peter Abelard

Research is thought of as a “process that leads to the dependable resolution of problems or things about which we want to know more.” (Powell, 2018, p. 243) Research can be basic, commonly known as theoretical research, or applied research, which is more concerned with solving specific problems in real situations. Although, the results of basic research can lead to practical applications, and applied research can become foundational to theoretical research. (Powell, 2018) Current library research engages a rigorous methodology, and a great variety of research methods borrowed from other fields. The many research methods employed by Library Information Science researchers include survey, experiment, history, case study, focus group, Delphi study, content analysis, bibliometrics, comparative librarianship, and other qualitative methods. (Powell, 2018)

Methods can be qualitative or quantitative or a combination of both. The qualitative paradigm concentrates on investigating subjective, or non-measurement, data, in particular, the perceptions of the people involved. The intention is to illuminate these perceptions and gain greater insight and knowledge. (Liu, 2020) The quantitative paradigm concentrates on what can be measured. It involves collecting and analyzing objective data that can be organized into statistics. (Liu, 2020) According to Powell, “it is believed that the study and conduct of research can improve an individual’s ability to think critically and analytically—skills that also improve one’s ability to be an effective professional and leader.” (2018, p. 253)

Info 285 - Research Methods

The course covered fundamental principles, processes, values, and roles of research for professional application in information organizations. I learned to become a critical consumer of research products and learned the basic skills of evaluating, planning, designing, executing, and applying research. The class provided a general introduction to research methods frequently used in Library and Information Science research (case study, historical research, qualitative research, survey study, and experimental study). Emphasis was on critical evaluation of published studies and development of a research proposal.

I learned to understand the difference between primary and secondary research. I can demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles and processes of conducting research and can articulate various research methods, appropriately apply them, and understand their strengths and liabilities. I understand appropriate data collection and analysis tools, and ethical concerns related to research.

Assignments for the class consisted of a written report of research critique, IRB training (Social and Behavioral Research, for those working with human test subjects), research proposal and a presentation of my research idea. Online discussions consisted of a research critique developing a research idea, identification of a research direction, defining a research problem, key findings from literature, and research design & method. Exercises of statistical analyses included SPSS data import, Crosstab w/ Chi-square analysis, t-test & Pearson correlation, and One-way ANOVA.

Case Study Research Critique

For this artifact, I selected a research study and critically examined how the researchers defined the research problem, set up the overall research design, and handled the processes of data gathering, data processing, and data analysis. My focus was on the research design and methodological issues. I attempted to "see through" the article's wording to uncover the researchers' plan of design and what actually happened during the process of their research implementation. Based on a good understanding of the study and armed with the knowledge I learned about research methods, I formed critical opinions about the research, by asking reflective questions about specific methodologies.

Digital Divide Research Proposal

This artifact consists of PowerPoint slides created for a proposal presentation. After a definition of the research problem and brief summary of key findings from relevant literature, my presentation focused mostly on research design, method, and data protocols. The presentation was delivered live through zoom to a class of my peers.

Thesis

In preparation for my research proposal, I created a brief statement of general research direction of interest and potential problems and issues to explore, refined my research problem and research questions, and completed a summary of consideration of possible research design and methods to investigate the identified research problem, with analytical justification (pros and cons) and deliberation of alternatives. I then gathered all of my research into this artifact, my final thesis proposal.

Reflection

The research process is a fundamental way to increase our understanding of the world around us. Although everyone I submitted my proposal to wanted to be on my committee, I was unable to find a willing chair for my thesis. I hope to someday pursue this line of research further.

References

Abelard, P. (1976) Sic et non: A Critical Edition, eds. Blanche B. Boyer and Richard McKeon, Chicago, University of Chicago Press.

Liu, G. (2020). Module One: Introduction. [Lecture notes].

Powell, R. (2018). Research. In K. Haycock & M. Romaniuk (Eds.), The Portable MLIS (2nd ed., 243-254). Santa Barbara: Libraries Unlimited.