Distinguish between (a) common uses of the term research that reflect misconceptions about what research involves and (b) the true nature of research in academic settings.

The Nature and Tools of Research

1 Distinguish between (a) common uses of the term research that reflect misconceptions about what research involves and (b) the true nature of research in academic settings.

2 Describe the cyclical, iterative nature of research, including the steps that a genuine research project involves.

3 Distinguish among positivism, postpositivism, constructivism, and pragmatism/realism as philosophical underpinnings of a research project.

4 Identify examples of how six general research tools can play significant roles in a research project:

(a) the library and its resources,

(b) computer technology,

(d) statistics,

(e) language,

(f) the human mind.

5 Describe steps you might take to explore research in your field.

Distinguish between (a) common uses of the term research that reflect misconceptions about what research involves and (b) the true nature of research in academic settings.