Module 1: What is Research?

For this first module you will learn what research is as well as why research projects are carried out in specific ways, based on the underlying beliefs of the researchers.

Required Readings

Video from Dr. Rath (Module 1) (1:47)

This is a quick video that explains how the module is organized.

Lecture for Module 1 (15:24)

This is an overview video where I give a high level explanation of the readings.

Slides for Module 1

Slides from my video.

Sheppard, Ch. 1

This chapter introduces much of terminology that you will need for this class. In addition to these definitions, this chapter covers research paradigms that are essential to understanding the ontological underpinnings of field research.

Kankam, P.K. (2017). The use of paradigms in information research. Library & Information Science Research, 41(2), 85-92.

This specific to information science research, read this article to learn what the different paradigms look like in information science.

Supplementary Readings

These readings are optional but will give you more context.

Bhattacherjee, Ch. 1, "Science and Scientific Research"

Bhattacherjee provides some useful information about the role of research in science.

Activities

Discussion Board

Due:

Participate in this week's discussion board where you will tell us which research paradigm most resonates with you and why. Respond to your classmates noting similarities and differences. Elaborate on how that might effect any potential collaboration. You may start a second thread asking any questions you have about the readings.

Site last updated Oct. 05, 2023.