Lesson Summary
In today’s lesson, we revisited key concepts in research methodology, with particular emphasis on the distinction between primary (first-hand) and secondary (second-hand) research. Our tutor also underscored the critical importance of credibility in academic writing. Specifically, we were reminded of the necessity to properly credit all sources used in our theses to uphold academic integrity and avoid potential legal or ethical violations.
Additionally, we were encouraged to consider several essential criteria when selecting sources and developing our academic essays:
- Truth Value: The reliability and accuracy of information must be assessed, especially given the abundance of misinformation available online.
- Applicability: The relevance of a source to the research topic is crucial. Irrelevant information can undermine the clarity and coherence of the essay, making it unnecessarily lengthy and imprecise.
- Consistency: Maintaining a clear and focused argument throughout the essay is vital. All supporting points should align with the central thesis to ensure logical flow and cohesion.
- Neutrality: Adopting an objective tone enhances the professionalism of an academic text. In the past, I often incorporated online sources without adhering to a structured evaluative process. This session highlighted the importance of critical source selection and the value of presenting information impartially.
We also discussed the need for transparency in the research process. For example, if surveys are conducted, it is important to include appendices detailing respondent demographics and responses to ensure clarity and replicability.
Furthermore, the rationale behind various stages of the research process was explored—for instance, the justification for conducting a literature review. One particularly clear definition of method was offered: it refers to the specific steps involved in conducting research. These steps might include initial investigation, data collection, drafting, analysis, and so forth.
To deepen our understanding, we also examined insights from Yilmaz, who explains that quantitative and qualitative research methods represent distinct but equally valid approaches. Each is based on different philosophical foundations and employs its own frameworks, procedures, and techniques. It is therefore important for educational researchers—especially those at the graduate level—to develop familiarity with both approaches to choose the most appropriate one for their research objectives.
This reflection helped to consolidate my understanding of the foundational elements of academic research and underscored the importance of structure, critical evaluation, and methodological rigor.
We also watched a video in class to deepen our understanding of frameworks and their influence on the conclusions we draw. The video began with a simple example and then progressed to a more complex scenario to illustrate the concept. It showed that when a child receives a pet, they interpret the animal based on pre-existing frameworks—mental structures developed through prior experiences. For instance, the child may dismiss unrelated categories such as toys or plants and then classify the pet as a dog or a cat based on familiar characteristics like having four legs. This may occur even if the animal is actually a horse or a zebra. The example emphasized the importance of having a diverse and accurate set of frameworks to interpret new information correctly.
In the context of interviews, the video explained that interviewers may also apply different frameworks—essentially their perspectives or biases—when interacting with various interviewees. For example, an introverted candidate might be interpreted differently depending on the interviewer’s framework, potentially affecting the outcome of the interview.
This lesson was particularly enlightening for me, as I had previously assumed that frameworks were concepts confined to academic writing. I now realize that they are commonly used in everyday life, often unconsciously, and that being aware of them can improve both our academic analysis and real-world interactions.
- Another key takeaway from the session was a practical approach to identifying relevant frameworks for our research topics. The process begins with clearly understanding the topic and identifying its core keywords—for example, terms such as IT, art, or environment. These keywords serve as the foundation for conducting further research.
- Once the keywords are established, the next step involves performing a targeted Google search by combining the keyword with the term “framework” (e.g., “Business Strategy Framework”). The initial visual results, particularly the first 20 images, can provide insight into common frameworks associated with the topic. Visual representations that include directional arrows are particularly useful, as they often indicate logical flow or structural relationships within the framework.
- After identifying a potentially useful framework image, it is essential to verify its academic credibility. This can be done by checking whether the framework appears in scholarly sources, such as research papers found through Google Scholar. If the framework is cited in peer-reviewed literature, it is advisable to examine the original context and description provided by the authors.
- Further, reviewing additional academic papers that reference or apply the same framework can provide a deeper understanding of its applicability. Searching for terms such as “extension” in these papers may also reveal expanded or modified versions of the framework, offering more nuanced insights relevant to the research topic.
- This method ensures that the selected framework is not only visually comprehensible but also academically valid and appropriately aligned with the objectives of the research.