Chapter 7: Thinking Critically about the Research Process

The importance of critical thinking has been mentioned numerous times in the previous chapters, but it has yet to be considered for the research process. In this blog post, I will discuss about critical thinking's importance in the research process. I will also differentiate between each stage of research, including primary and secondary research. The added influence of the internet to research development will also be looked at, as well as the traditional method of scouring textbooks, periodicals, and reference material. I will also look at inquiries, interviews and surveys as a means of gathering information, and finally conclude on the importance of copyrights in relation to the research process.

Research is not just a topic for collegiate professors; corporate companies make many of their biggest decisions based on research that is compiled into written reports. There are also differences in the procedural steps of research and the steps that are taken when you are critically thinking about the research process-- there are more steps and questions to be asked in the latter.

Good research is all about asking the right questions, and in order to do this, you must consider your topic from every angle. You need to remember that no one source will provide you with everything you need; an ethical researcher will take evidence that represents a fair balance of views.

Balanced research also includes a range of evidence, whose depth oftentimes determines its quality. Popular media items, such as newspapers, magazines, blogs, and TV, offer surface level depth because they are designed for general consumption. They provide information that skims the surface of an issue. Trade, business and technical publications are on the next level because they are designed for readers who know a bit more about the topic. Even though this information is usually really accurate, it will probably reflect some sort of bias depending on its source. The deepest level of material is the specialized literature, which is most likely journals from professional associations. This material is designed for practicing professionals, so it includes the most information, examples, reviews and refutations of the given topic. Government sources and corporate documents are also included in this deepest level-- these documents offer facts, discussion, and a normally un-biased viewpoint.

The depth of your sources will depend, largely, on the topic and the audience you are writing for.

It is also important to remember that not of your research findings will have an equal weight-- you must carefully evaluate your source by asking certain questions, like these from the textbook (Lannon, pg. 127):

• Is this information accurate, reliable, and relatively unbiased?
• Do the facts verify the claim?
• How much of the information is useful?
• Is this the whole or the real story?
• Do I need more information?

When you concluded that your evidence is accurate, you should interpret your research by asking another series of questions. I will include these questions from the textbook as well, to stay consistent (Lannon, pg. 128).

• What are my conclusions and do they address my original research question?
• Do any findings conflict?
• Are other interpretations possible?
• Should I reconsider the evidence?
• What, if anything, should be done?

Primary sources and secondary sources differ because primary sources come directly from the source through interviews, surveys, and observation, and secondary sources are obtaining through reading a reference material of some kind. It is a good idea to include both forms of sources in your research. Primary sources allows you to expand on what people have already researched, and secondary sources gives you some sort of background for your topic.

There are a vast number of secondary sources available to the public today that range from hard copy to digital forms. Some of the best web-based secondary sources are found through subject directories, which are maintained by editors, and search engines, which are operated by computers not people. Google searches are oftentimes the initial starting point for anyone, from student to professional, conducting research. These searches are great for initial brainstorming and developing plans to get started, but you will need to narrow down your findings at some point-- sites from universities or the government are better suited for most research. Wikipedia is the most popular online encyclopedia, but it should really only be used as a starting point for your research.

The internet has many options when it comes to research-able information, and there are a few important guidelines that you should follow when researching from the internet. You should first expect limited results from any one search engine-- a single search won't be able to find everything that you need. Also, when using a search engine you should select keywords or search by phrases that are varied and technical. When using a form of encyclopedia (including Wikipedia), you should always check out the footnotes and citations, because they will probably direct you to the best information. Also, consider the domain type of the site; these range from .com (commercial use), .edu (educational institution), .gov or .mil (government or military), .net (general usage), and .org (nonprofit organization). You should also check out the site's purpose and sponsor-- this exposes sales traps or a bias! Sometimes informational sites are not always the most attractive ones, so try to look past the general style of the site. Try to look for the most current information as well-- some cites contain outdated information. To validate accuracy, check out the site for the author's credentials and assertions. Bookmarks on your browser will also help you to collect your information for future reference. Be sure to save or print your research before moving on as well. Finally, only download what you need-- ethics is still important in your research and you must obtain permission and remember to cite your sources.

Traditional secondary sources are hard-copy sources, such as books, periodicals, and reference works. Reference works are general informational sources that can lead you to more specific information, and they include: bibliographies, indexes (from newspapers, periodicals, citations, technical reports, and patents), encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, almanacs, directories, and abstracts.

After you have explored all the various options through secondary sources, you can begin doing your own primary research. An unsolicited inquiry is the most basic form of primary research, and it includes phone calls, emails to experts, and information that you have already collected. This type of research can be intrusive and offensive to some, so don't make this part of your research extensive, and limit it to only a few questions. Informational interviews are a great primary source that oftentimes leads to original, unpublished material. However, an expert's opinion is not always reliable because it can be mistaken or biased, like anyone else's.

There are several guidelines that you should follow to make your informational interview the most effective. First, you need to know exactly what you are looking for and from whom-- this means doing your homework and making arrangements via phone, letter or email. Next, each question should be clear and specific and you should avoided load questions, which invite or promote a given bias. The most difficult or complex questions should be asked last, and you should write each of your questions on a separate notecard. When starting your interview, be courteous and respectful of cultural differences, and let your interviewee do most of the talking. This means that you must be a good listener. Also, stick to your interview plan, ask for clarification if you need it and stay on point. It's a good idea to think up follow up questions, and also keep your note taking to a minimum. Finally, ask for closing comments and ask for permission to contact your source again. Thank you source and leave promptly, and as soon as possible write a summary of you interview.

Surveys allows you to collect fresh viewpoints from multiple sources. There are also several guidelines that you should stick to when conducting surveys. First, you ought to define the survey's purpose and target population. Then, you must identify a sample group and define your survey method. You must decide on the types of questions you will ask next. There are both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Also, you should develop an engaging introduction and provide adequate information up front. Each question should be ambiguous and it is best to avoid biased questions. Your survey should be brief, easy to understand, and inviting and it is in best practice to allow an expert to review your questionnaire before you use it.

Observations and experiments are the last step in your research process, and you should use them as a means up backing up your assumptions about your topic.

Group Discussion Question: Have you ever had to do any forms of research with primary sources? What were your experiences? Who and what did you collect your information?