Proceso de investigación científica - Metodología de la Investigacion

Process of Scientific Research

Introduction to Scientific Research

• María Pimentel Negro introduces the video, aiming to support viewers in their research processes, whether for a thesis or scientific article.

Key Steps in the Research Process

• Emphasizes the importance of understanding various steps involved in scientific research, highlighting that researchers must be knowledgeable about these processes.

• Lists essential components: background, justification, problem statement, research question, objectives, expected results, scope, limitations, theoretical framework, methodological framework, population and sample selection, variables identification, and instrument design.

Background and Justification

• Defines "antecedents" as previous studies related to the research topic; can be organized regionally or chronologically.

• Discusses "justification," stressing its significance by questioning why the research is worthwhile and its relevance across various contexts (socially, theoretically).

Problem Statement Development

• The problem statement should clearly identify what needs resolution; it describes the phenomenon concerning study variables while situating both researcher and reader within a spatial-temporal context.

• Highlights that empirical tests such as experiments or observations are necessary for data collection to address identified problems.

Formulating Research Questions

• Differentiates between a general problem and specific research questions; emphasizes clarity in defining what is being studied (e.g., unemployment rates among university students).

• Provides examples of potential research questions related to unemployment and social independence for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Objectives of Research

• Outlines rules for writing objectives: they should start with an infinitive verb (e.g., analyze), define general vs. specific objectives.

• Stresses that general objectives outline overall goals while specific objectives break down steps needed to achieve them.

Theoretical Framework Importance

• Describes the theoretical framework as a compilation of relevant theories underpinning the study; recent studies from at least five years prior should be included.

• Notes that this framework provides historical context and helps define key concepts relevant to the investigation.

Conceptual Framework and Methodology in Research

Key Indicators of Independence

• The study discusses various indicators related to independence, including adaptive behavior, functional communication, and social skills.

• It emphasizes the importance of conceptualizing these factors within a theoretical framework that aligns with the main topic of the research.

Methodological Approaches

• The methodology section is divided into qualitative, quantitative, and mixed approaches. Quantitative research involves numerical data and statistical processes for analysis.

• Qualitative research focuses on non-numerical information obtained from interviews or surveys to enrich the study from multiple perspectives.

• Mixed methods integrate both qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

Types of Research Designs

• Research designs can be experimental, quasi-experimental, or non-experimental. Non-experimental studies involve observation without manipulation of variables.

• Quasi-experimental studies do not use random selection for participants, while true experimental designs require randomization in participant selection.

Experimental Design Example

• An example provided illustrates an experimental design where one group receives intervention (experimental group), while another does not (control group).

• Pre-tests are conducted before intervention to measure initial conditions; post-tests assess changes after intervention.

Types of Investigations

• Types of investigations include descriptive (characterizing phenomena), exploratory (studying novel topics with limited literature), and explanatory (developing theories about observed phenomena).

Population and Sampling Techniques

• The population refers to the entire group being studied; for instance, all students in a school. A sample is a subset selected from this population for detailed study.

• Sampling methods can be probabilistic or non-probabilistic; how samples are chosen significantly impacts research validity.

This structured summary captures key concepts discussed in the transcript regarding research methodologies and frameworks while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Understanding Variables in Research

Characteristics and Types of Variables

• The study focuses on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of variables, which can include gender, psychological test scores, or participant age. These variables are subject to measurement.

• Independent variables are identified as supposed causes, while dependent variables represent effects. For example, poor sleep hygiene (independent variable) may lead to low performance in daily activities (dependent variable).

Illustrating Cause and Effect

• An analogy is made using soup preparation: the ingredients (independent variables) affect the final taste (dependent variable). This helps students grasp the concept of how different factors influence outcomes.

Measurement Instruments in Research

• Instruments used for quantifying study variables must meet criteria such as reliability, validity, and objectivity. Various types include observation sheets, checklists, measurement scales, questionnaires, psychometric tests, and experimental materials.

• It’s crucial that instruments accurately measure intended constructs without errors and that questions are clear for the target audience.

Common Errors in Research Process

Topic Selection Challenges

• A common mistake is choosing overly broad topics that cannot be adequately explored. Researchers should narrow their focus to manageable aspects within larger constructs.

Academic Integrity Issues

• Plagiarism is highlighted as a significant issue; even with citations provided, copying text verbatim without paraphrasing constitutes plagiarism. Researchers should aim to cite correctly while also rephrasing information meaningfully.

Formatting and Presentation Mistakes

• Adhering to proper formatting guidelines is essential; issues like margins and spacing can detract from clarity. Scientific writing requires a formal tone distinct from conventional writing styles.

Use of Reliable Sources

• Emphasis is placed on utilizing credible scientific sources such as peer-reviewed articles instead of unreliable platforms like Wikipedia or non-scholarly websites for research purposes.

Research Guidance and Support

Importance of Proper Citations

• Emphasizes the necessity for rigor in research, particularly regarding citations. Students often fail to include corresponding references at the end of their documents.

• Stresses that citations must maintain consistency in author names and publication years, highlighting its significance in academic integrity.

Research Assistance Offered

• Mentions providing research guidance for individuals seeking support at both undergraduate and master's levels, focusing on various aspects such as format, content, and academic writing.

• Offers assistance with thesis development or final graduation projects, addressing common challenges students face when formulating proposals or organizing ideas.

Developing Research Competencies

• Discusses the importance of having a mentor during the research process to help develop professional competencies related to research methodologies.

• Highlights the value of receiving feedback from an experienced individual who can guide students in improving their scientific writing skills.

Availability for Consultation

• Encourages viewers to reach out confidently through provided contact methods for any inquiries regarding research assistance or academic work.

• Concludes by expressing hope that the video has been informative and acknowledges ongoing interest from students seeking advice on research topics.