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Chapter Overview
Duration3 teaching blocks
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson students should be able to:
Define the meaning of “Research”
Identify the nature and types of research.
Distinguish between Research and Journalism
Understand the importance of Research
Core Knowledge
Definition of Research
What Research is Not
What Research Is
Types of Research
Research and Journalism
Importance of Research
Skills
Critical thinking
Differentiating Facts and Opinions
Making Observations
Drawing conclusions
Teaching Strategies
Cooperative learning groups
Discussions
Word games
Follow Up Activities
Reading and reflection
Curriculum links
Literacy, ICT and Disciplines related to topics
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To define the meaning of “Research”
To identify the nature and types of research
To distinguish between Research and Journalism
To understand the importance of Research
factopiniondata
ethicalscepticalsystematic
By the end of the lesson students should be able:
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When you are reading, it is important to be able to distinguish between facts and opinions. Written materials such as articles, website information, biographies, and newspapers often contain both facts and opinions. Being able tell the difference between them will help youjudge the validity ( logical truth ) of a writer’s ideas. It will also help you choose appropriate sources when doing research. Sometimes facts may be mixed with opinions and this is done a lot in arguments but - What is important is that the reader be able to distinguish the fact from the opinion, in order to make a sound judgment about the information they are receiving! E.g. : More and more women are deciding to give birth to their children at home. A hospital, after all, is not the best place for a baby to be born. The underlined sentence is a Fact , while the other is an opinion.
Fact versus OpinionUse Activity Sheet # 1: Fact versus Opinion.
• Introduce Activity Sheet # 1
• Read out to students the Introductory paragraph that points out the difference between a fact and an opinion.
• Have the students then work individually trying to classify the given statements as Facts or Opinions.
• Elicit student responses and lead a group discussion.Intended understandings to draw out of the discussion:
Refer Activity Sheet # 1 in student workbook . Reference : SB1- What is Research.
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Classify the statements below as Facts or Opinions.
1. Doha is a very beautiful city . Opinion
2. Whales are mammals. Fact
3. Ali Abdul Satar is a famous Qatari singer. Fact
4. Mohammed Mustafa is the greatest football player of Qatar.
Opinion
5. Al Zubara is the oldest Fort in Qatar .Fact
6. Driving on the sand dunes in the deserts of Middle east is
a wonderful experience . Opinion
7. Every time you wash your car it always ends up raining.
Opinion
8. There is no life on Pluto. Fact
9. Cats are the best house pets. Opinion
10.The Education system in Qatar is undergoing great reform.
Fact
Fact versus Opinion
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The News today is filled with new product advertisements, a new cure for a disease , the invention of a product or gadget and latest updates in technology. The question is - Are all of these the outcomes of research ? In school students are asked to research and find information on specific topics like the cause and effects of Global Warming in science or about the Cultural Heritage of Qatar in social studies. So .. What
exactly is “ Research?“
The word research is sometimes used loosely and has unfortunately led to many misleading meanings .
Research is therefore the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data). It is a truth seeking activity that aims at creating new knowledge.
What Research is Not
• Research is not mere information gathering.
A student at school was asked by her teacher to go to the library and “research” on Air Pollution – for this student research meant to gather some facts and information on the topic. This may be learning reference skills and gathering information but is certainly not research just information discovery.
• Research is not mere transportation of facts from one location to another.
At secondary school a student was given an assignment to write a “ research paper ” on Cloning. This student though went through many of the stages associated with research like collecting information, organizing the content, summarizing facts and citing references but she was nowhere close to discovering or interpreting facts herself – the essence of genuine research, she was merely transferring information to a written paper which is fact transportation.
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• Research is not merely searching or delving for information.
In trying to locate a good university for her son for higher studies my neighbor said she was doing some “research” , what she actually meant by research was trying to find out details like courses and facilities offered at different universities and how affordable they were – definitely just looking for information in several places is an exercise of self enlightenment and not research.
• Research is not a catch word to attract attention.
The advertisement in a pamphlet read – Years of research have produced a new “ Slimming capsule ” it succeeds in catching your attention and you order it only to find out that it is only a normal laxative , no research just a clever use of a catch – word to promote the product and increase sales.
What Research Is
Long Dictionary Definition : “ A studios , systematic inquiry or examination , especially a critical investigation or experimentation having for its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation or the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of new discovered facts.
The “Research Methodology” has the following distinct steps .
To start with there must be a stated purpose for the research – The research question, followed by a hypotheses that which is a possible explanation of the research question. As research follows a systematic procedure and is well planned it must show a methodology . This is followed by gathering data or information and testing the validity of the data , analyzing the data and finally the presentation of the results which leads to new knowledge or revision of existing knowledge.
Refer Activity Sheet # 2 in student workbook . Reference : SB2- What is Research.
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Understanding the Meaning of
ResearchIntroduce Activity Sheet # 2 : Understanding the Meaning of
Research
• Refine student understanding on - What exactly is Research.
• Use the graphic organizer to summarize the steps involved in a Research Methodology . ( Available on transparency – Resource Kit Sheet # 1)
• Expose the students based on their levels to read and write if they consider the examples provided as Research or Not
• Discuss student views and clarify any misconceptions
The activity has been differentiated based on student reading abilities and comprehension.
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Activity # 2 – Understanding the Meaning of Research
Level : Intermediate
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 45 min
Instruction : Read the following pieces of work and comment whether the following can be considered as Research and if not , Why?
Level : Basic
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 45 min
Instruction : Classify the following pieces of work as “Research “ or “Not Research”
Level : Advanced
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 45 min
Instruction : Analyze and evaluate the following piece of work and comment what parts of the Research methodology are missing.
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1. A car manufacturer wanted to find out the opinion of the Public on his new car design before it was introduced into the market and so he interviewed men , women and teenagers in the country and tabulated his results to survey the opinions.
As Research involves a clear goal it is clear here that the goal is to find out Public Opinion on a new car design , but Research also involves systematic planning and it is not clear here how many people were interviewed or how the interviews were conducted and finally if the results were analyzed quantitatively or qualitatively or a combination of both so in all this is not exactly research.
2. A company manufacturing and marketing health products came up with a new product that combines the effect and benefits of 2 products in one convenient pouch ready to be consumed anywhere anytime but providing higher benefits .
Research is generally involved when it comes to the invention or formulation of a new drug or medication however the above paragraph does not give any information regarding the planning or procedure employed and is missing the middle components of the research methodology which is essential of Research so again this is not a good example of research.
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Instructions : The student is expected to read the given research paper on Research links TV violence to aggression — but not in girlsBy Kyung M. Song
Next , the students have to read the provided checklist to Evaluate the Research paper by marking or
The aim of this activity is make students alert to the characteristics of a valid research paper.
The student must be aware of the steps of the research methodology and must be able to reflect on the research paper to find the elements of the Research Methodology in it.
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Research links TV violence to aggression — but not in girlsBy Kyung M. SongSeattle Times health reporter
( The following article has been modified and shortened in purpose for convenience )
Preschool boys who watch violent television become markedly more aggressive and anti-social as they grow older. At the same time, girls appear unaffected by television violence.The study, which focused on years of data for 330 children around the nation, found that each hour of violent shows viewed per day by boys ages 2 to 4 increased their aggression threefold, as reported by their parents five years later. It adds to a large body of evidence that kids learn from what they watch, the study's lead author said.Parents kept track of which shows their kids watched and in the follow-up survey reported frequency of behavior including cheating, being mean, disobedience, being destructive, and showing a lack of remorse.To arrive at their findings, the researchers established a definition of "violent" shows as those that revolved around fighting, fleeing or hostile language and threatening behavior.
Research Paper
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Those shows included some generally favored by girls as well as those usually watched by boys. Examples included "Power Rangers," "Space Jam" and even football for boys. For girls the examples included "Aladdin," "Pocahontas" and "Scooby-Doo.""Parents have been socialized to think that cartoon violence is harmless, but it's not," Christakis said.The fact that little girls weren't affected by the TV violence is something that should be studied more closely, Christakis said. The findings should inspire parents to limit the violent TV that their preschoolers watch, Christakis said. Earlier studies have shown that violent young kids tend to grow up to be violent adolescents and adults.The latest study was observational, so it didn't establish that TV violence causes such subsequent behavioral problems. Even so, Christakis said his research isn't an indictment against television in general. He points out that other studies have found that high-quality programming can teach children lots of things. For example, shows like "Sesame Street" or "Dora the Explorer" can help preschoolers learn tolerance, sharing, counting and other skills."TV isn't inherently good or bad," Christakis said. "Content matters, and parents should be selective."
Kyung Song: 206-464-2423 or [email protected] © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
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Questions to consider while Evaluating a Research Paper
1. Does the article have a stated research question or problem.
2. Could you determine the focus of this author’s work.
3. Does this article describe the collection of data.
4. Does the author explain procedures that were followed in the study.
5. Does the article explain how data was collected and analyzed.
6. Does the article interpret the results properly .
Read the Provided Research paper and evaluate it by reflecting on the given checklist and marking or
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List the steps of the Research Methodology in the right order.
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Fill in the following concept map that points out some characteristics of true research.
Creating new knowledge
Research
Revising existing
knowledgeaims at
Is
and follows a
Methodological design
Is neither
A catch word
Merely transportation
of facts
nor
or
Data (information)
Involves the collection of
Analysis and interpretation
Its
Presentation of research
results
And finally
Systematic
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Refer Activity Sheet # 4 in student workbook . Reference : SB4- What is Research.
Preparation• Colour print this document. Enlarge with a photocopier if required.• Laminate the true / false board whole.• Cut the red and blue sheets into cards and laminate individually.Instructions• Split children into groups of six (approx).• Give each group a True / False board.• Split each group into two teams and give one team a blue set of cards and the other team a red set of cards all face down• Each team takes it in turn to turn over one card at a time. The team discusses whether the statement is true or false and thenplaces it on a square on the True/False board.• The first team to get four in a row wins.
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Research requires a specific plan of procedure
Research results are meant to be confidential and not published
Research is guided by a specific research problem, question or hypothesis
Researchers have to be biased at times
Research does not involve a testable hypothesis
Research originates by chance
Research involves collection and interpretation of data
Research is sceptical
Research activity must show ethical considerations
Research must be open and examine data from a variety of perspectives
Research is ambiguous
Research is a truth seeking activity
Research always involves a scientific method
Research aims to create new knowledge
Research is only a fact discovery activity
Research usually divides the principal problem into more manageable sub problems
Laminated cards are available – Resource Kit Sheet # 2
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Types of Research : Research can be categorized into 2 distinct types: 1. Qualitative Research and 2. Quantitative Research
Qualitative ResearchQuantitative Research
The aim is to give a complete and detailed description
The aim is to classify , count , and construct statistical models to explain what is observed
Data is in the form of words, pictures or objects
Data is in the form of numbers and statistics
Researcher is the data gathering instrument
Researcher uses tools, such as questionnaires or equipment to collect numerical data
Subjective – individuals’ interpretation of events is important , e.g. uses participant observation, in-depth interviews etc.
Objective – seeks precise measurement and analysis of target concepts, e.g. uses surveys,
questionnaires etc .
Qualitative data is more ‘rich’ , time consuming , and less able to be generalized.
Quantitative data is more efficient, able to test hypotheses, but may miss contextual detail
Researcher may only know roughly in advance what he / she is looking for.
Researcher knows clearly in advance what he / she is looking for
Recommended during early phases of research projects
Recommended during latter phases of research projects
The design emerges as the study unfolds
All aspects of the study are carefully designed before data is collected
Qualitative methods – Case studies, Ethnographic studies and phenomenological studies
Quantitative methods – Experiments, Surveys and Quasi - Experiments
Miles & Huberman ( 1994) Data Analysis
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Research and Journalism
The 3 main characteristics that distinguishes Research from routine journalism is that research is systematic , sceptical
and ethical .
Good research is well planned , and follows a logical design. The research methodology controls and directs the study, the acquisition of data, the refining of raw data, the manifestation or interpretation of the data and finally the conclusion which leads to an expansion of knowledge.
Research must be unbiased , open to arguments , questions , and must be able to look at the investigation from different perspectives even if it means to contradict the initial hypothesis.
Research must show concern and sensitivity to the needs, interests , and psychology of the participants or even
those whom it may impact .
A journalist ‘s report has a theme and data are often presented to suit the theme and is justified from one perspective only , while it may ignore or rule out data that might disconfirm the theme.
The distinction between quantitative and qualitative research is important in order to understand the research approach underlying any study as this influences the questions asked, the methods chosen , the analyses used, the inferences made and the ultimate goal of the research.
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Some of the important aspects of Research
Medicine : in the field of medicine research allows us to identify problems in treatment and find solutions, develop new treatments and find better ways to prevent people getting a problem.
Industry : in the industrial field research provides opportunities for increased production, installation of new processes , systems and services
Technology : great advances in home gadgets, entertainment devices, multimedia equipment has been possible by research
Business : research in the field of business helps to maintain the balance between demand and supply.
Inventions : research provides a platform for many scientists to discover new devices for the advancement and betterment of mankind
Knowledge : research in itself serves to increase an expanse of knowledge for the researcher and so represents an embodiment of knowledge.
Refer Activity Sheet # 5 in student workbook . Reference : SB5- What is Research.
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Level : Intermediate
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 20 min
Instruction : Read the following report and present your arguments whether it is considered as a “valid research” . Use the think prompts given below the report as a guideline.
Activity # 5 – Distinguishing between Research and Journalism
Level : Basic
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 45 min
Instruction : List some important characteristics of Research and explain how it differs from Journalism.
Level : Advanced
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 45 min
Instruction : Use a double map to compare the essential features of Research and Journalism .
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Introduction :This is a bingo-style activity to practice key vocabulary and their definitions.
The teacher has the sheet of key word definitions – you can substitute better definitions if you wish. The definitions are read out and pupils have to recognize and cross off the key word on their card. The first pupil to cross off all the words on their card receives a small prize.Check the winning card with the class as a focus on the words used in the activity.The notes section is for pupils to write definitions they do not recognize.
Running the activity : Print out the Bingo caller’s page for each session. Mark or tick off the questions asked on this sheet. Resource Kit sheet # 3Use the bingo cards available in Resource Kit sheet # 4. There are 30 cards – three to a page, all different. Print out as manypages as you need and cut them to make individual cards. Give out individual cards to each pupil. The cards can be laminated and a white board marker used to mark them.More Ideas : The questions can be used just as the basis for a quiz. The key words could be displayed on the word wall. Key words can be printed out and velcro can be used on the back to attach them to display boards.
Research and BINGO
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In order to recap the core knowledge from this session, students are asked to read the mentioned research paper then reflect on it critically and answer the given questions.
Research Paper Suggested:
Children’s Views on Children’s Right to Work: Reflections from BelfastLeonard Childhood.2004; 11: 45-61
Intended understandings to draw out of the discussion:
Refer Activity Sheet # 6 in student workbook . Reference : SB6- What is Research.
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data
refers to information which may be quantitative (numerical) or qualitative ( descriptive) which is analyzed and determines the final conclusions made in research.
ethical
refers to issues , concerns , interests that might affect either the participant or anyone the research impacts. It is imperative that any form of research must not cause potential harm or distress to anyone involved in the research process. There is a code of Research ethics laid by an authoritative body.
fact
refers to knowledge or a thing known to be true and backed by evidence. e.g. More and more women are deciding to give birth to their children at home. A hospital, after all, is not the best place for a baby to be born.
opinion
a personal view not necessarily based on facts or knowledge. e.g More and more women are deciding to give birth to their children at home. A hospital, after all, is not the best place for a baby to be born.
sceptical
the process of doubting and questioning the validity of the research finding which is an integral part of research . A sceptical approach marks the beginning of research and also helps to prove or discard the research findings
systematicresearchers carefully plan their overall research design and method in a purposeful step by step manner , they have to illicit everything explicitly.
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Slides 1 – 25 represent The Teacher’s Manual while slides 27 to 42 are part of the student workbook.
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Classify the statements below as Facts or Opinions.
1. Doha is a very beautiful city. __________
2. Whales are mammals. __________
3. Ali Abdul Satar is a famous Qatari singer.___________
4. Mohammed Mustafa is the greatest football player of Qatar.
__________
5. Al Zubara is the oldest Fort in Qatar ._________
6. Driving on the sand dunes in the deserts of Middle east is a
wonderful experience . ___________
7. Every time you wash your car it always ends up raining.
__________
8. There is no life on Pluto. __________
9. Cats are the best house pets. __________
10.The Education system in Qatar is undergoing great reform.
_____________
A statement of fact expresses only what actually happened, or what could be proven by objective data.
A statement of opinion expresses an attitude toward something – it makes a judgment, view, or conclusion, or gives an opinion that cannot be proven true or false.
Fact versus Opinion
Activity Sheet # 1
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Activity Sheet # 2
Understanding the Meaning of
Research
RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
1
23
4
5
The problem statement and formulation of a Research
Question
The investigable hypothesis (best guess or possible answer) to the Research Question
Methodological Design
Data collectionData Analysis and Validity
Conclusion and
creation of new
knowledge
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Activity Sheet # 2
Understanding the Meaning of
ResearchInstruction : Read the following pieces of work and comment whether the following can be considered as Research and if not , Why?
1. A car manufacturer wanted to find out the opinion of the Public on his new car design before it was introduced into the market and so he interviewed men , women and teenagers in the country and tabulated his results to survey the opinions. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. A company manufacturing and marketing health products came up with a new product that combines the effect and benefits of 2 products in one convenient pouch ready to be consumed anywhere anytime but providing higher benefits .____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Activity Sheet # 2
Understanding the Meaning of
ResearchInstruction : Classify the following pieces of work as
“Research “ or “Not Research”
1. A car manufacturer wanted to find out the opinion of the Public on his new car design before it was introduced into the market and so he interviewed men , women and teenagers in the country and tabulated his results to survey the opinions. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. A company manufacturing and marketing health products came up with a new product that combines the effect and benefits of 2 products in one convenient pouch ready to be consumed anywhere anytime but providing higher benefits .____________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Activity Sheet # 2
Understanding the Meaning of
ResearchInstruction : Analyze and evaluate the following piece of work and comment what parts of the Research methodology are missing.
1. A car manufacturer wanted to find out the opinion of the Public on his new car design before it was introduced into the market and so he interviewed men , women and teenagers in the country and tabulated his results to survey the opinions. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. A company manufacturing and marketing health products came up with a new product that combines the effect and benefits of 2 products in one convenient pouch ready to be consumed anywhere anytime but providing higher benefits .____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Questions to consider while Evaluating a Research Paper
1. Does the article have a stated research question or problem.
2. Could you determine the focus of this author’s work.
3. Does this article describe the collection of data.
4. Does the author explain procedures that were followed in the study.
5. Does the article explain how data was collected and analyzed.
6. Does the article interpret the results properly .
Read the Provided Research paper and evaluate it by reflecting on the given checklist and marking or
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Research links TV violence to aggression — but not in girlsBy Kyung M. SongSeattle Times health reporter
( The following article has been modified and shortened in purpose for convenience )
Preschool boys who watch violent television become markedly more aggressive and anti-social as they grow older. At the same time, girls appear unaffected by television violence.The study, which focused on years of data for 330 children around the nation, found that each hour of violent shows viewed per day by boys ages 2 to 4 increased their aggression threefold, as reported by their parents five years later. It adds to a large body of evidence that kids learn from what they watch, the study's lead author said.Parents kept track of which shows their kids watched and in the follow-up survey reported frequency of behavior including cheating, being mean, disobedience, being destructive, and showing a lack of remorse.To arrive at their findings, the researchers established a definition of "violent" shows as those that revolved around fighting, fleeing or hostile language and threatening behavior.
Refer Activity Sheet # 3 in student workbook . Reference : SB3- What is Research.
Research Paper
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Those shows included some generally favored by girls as well as those usually watched by boys. Examples included "Power Rangers," "Space Jam" and even football for boys. For girls the examples included "Aladdin," "Pocahontas" and "Scooby-Doo.""Parents have been socialized to think that cartoon violence is harmless, but it's not," Christakis said.The fact that little girls weren't affected by the TV violence is something that should be studied more closely, Christakis said. The findings should inspire parents to limit the violent TV that their preschoolers watch, Christakis said. Earlier studies have shown that violent young kids tend to grow up to be violent adolescents and adults.The latest study was observational, so it didn't establish that TV violence causes such subsequent behavioral problems. Even so, Christakis said his research isn't an indictment against television in general. He points out that other studies have found that high-quality programming can teach children lots of things. For example, shows like "Sesame Street" or "Dora the Explorer" can help preschoolers learn tolerance, sharing, counting and other skills."TV isn't inherently good or bad," Christakis said. "Content matters, and parents should be selective."
Kyung Song: 206-464-2423 or [email protected] © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
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List the steps of the Research Methodology in the right order.
-37-
Fill in the following concept map that points out some characteristics of true research.
Research
aims at
Is
and follows the
Is neither
nor
or
Involves the collection of
Its
And finally
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Activity Sheet # 4
Read each of the cards which have statements about the characteristics of Research and decide if they are true or false
Research requires a specific plan of
procedure
Research results are meant to be
confidential and not published
Research is guided by a
specific research problem,
question or hypothesis
Researchers have to be biased
at times
Research does not involve a testable
hypothesis
Research originates by
chance
Research involves
collection and interpretation of
data
Research is sceptical
Research activity must show ethical
considerations
Research must be open and examine data from a variety
of perspectives
Research is ambiguous
Research is a truth seeking
activity
Research always involves a
scientific method
Research aims to create new
knowledge
Research is only a fact discovery
activity
Research usually divides the
principal problem into
more manageable sub
problems
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Level : Intermediate
Organization : Group or pair work
Strategy : Discussion or written exercise
Time : 20 min
Instruction : Read the following report and present your arguments whether it is considered as a “valid research” . Use the think prompts given below the report as a guideline.
Toasters Don't Kill People...but Bread Can be Deadly!! I've done a little research, and what I've discovered should make anyone think twice....
More than 98 percent of convicted criminals are bread users. Fully HALF of all children who grow up in bread-consuming households score below average on standardized tests. In the 18th century, when virtually all bread was baked in the home, the average life expectancy was less than 50 years; infant mortality rates were unacceptably high; many women died in childbirth; and diseases such as typhoid, yellow fever, and influenza ravaged whole nations. More than 90 percent of violent crimes are committed within 24 hours of eating bread.
-40-
Bread is made from a substance called "dough." It has been proven that as little as one pound of dough can be used to suffocate a mouse. The average American eats more bread than that in one month! Primitive tribal societies that have no bread exhibit a low incidence of cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and osteoporosis. Bread has been proven to be addictive. Subjects deprived of bread and given only water to eat begged for bread after as little as two days. Bread is often a "gateway" food item, leading the user to "harder" items such as butter, jelly, peanut butter. Bread has been proven to absorb water. Since the human body is more than 90 percent water, it follows that eating bread could lead to your body being taken over by this absorptive food product, turning you into a soggy, gooey bread-pudding person. Newborn babies can choke on bread. Bread is baked at temperatures as high as 400 degrees Fahrenheit! That kind of heat can kill an adult in less than one minute.
• Would you classify the above piece of information as ‘research’. Give reasons. • Would you describe this information to be systematic, sceptical and ethical?• Is the information more factual (fact based) or opinionated (expresses opinions) .Explain.• What distinguishing features of research are missing in this information.
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Research Paper Suggested :
Children’s Views on Children’s Right to Work: Reflections from BelfastLeonard Childhood.2004; 11: 45-61
Children’s Views on Children’s Right to Work Reflections from Belfast Madeleine Leonard Queen’s University, Belfast The purpose of this article is to examine children’s attitudes regarding the right to work. The article is based on comments made by 245, 15-year-old children on child employment and is supported by focus group interviews with 56 boys and 38 girls and tape-recorded interviews with 15 working pupils. One of most dominant themes to emerge from the data is children’s perception that they have a right to work. The article examines the legislation regarding child employment in Northern Ireland and the role of the state in determining the legislation. The author suggests that within this legislation, children are seen as vulnerable and in need of protection. Traditionally the protection of children in the workforce has been achieved by limiting the hours they can work and the occupations they can enter. Yet when children’s own views are taken into account, they move beyond the limits of protecting them through exclusion to suggesting frameworks whereby their protection may be achieved by empowering them within the labour market.
Activity Sheet # 6
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Questions suggested for discussion:
1 .The author talks of children’s opinions on their right to work. Do you think that child labor should be encouraged?
2 .What do you think are some rights that working children need to have?
3 .What are your views on laws relating to child employment as mentioned by the author of the research paper.
4 .Do you think that the Qatari Law should encourage and support child employment?
5 .If you agree on child employment suggest some places you recommend for such work in Qatar.