Dominique Burns e-Portfolio

Introduction

Connaway and Powell (2010) define research as “A method of study by which, through the careful and exhaustive investigation of all the ascertainable evidence bearing upon a definable problem, we reach a solution to that problem” (p. 2). Research in relation to librarianship can mean a multitude of things. It can mean helping students with school projects or community members with various questions. Librarians are constantly information sharing and information seeking. In today’s 21st century world it is important for librarians to have the skills to “Solve professional problems, develop tools, and methods for analysis of organization, services, and behavior” (American Library Assocation, n.d.). Research is a process and according to Connaway and Powell (2010) it can be broken down into six steps.  Leedy and Ormrod developed a diagram below in Figure 1 that showcases the six steps of research (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 22).

 

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Figure 1

(Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 22)

 

However, librarians often help patrons find information through two types of defined research methods, which are basic research methods and applied research methods. Basic research methods include scientific exploration through questions, answers, and hypothesis. They adhere most closely to the diagram in Figure 1 above. The criteria for basic research includes the following:

 

1. Reflective inquiry, which includes a problem statement, a literature review, a theoretical framework, a logical structure, objectives, research questions, and hypotheses (if appropriate).

2. Procedures or research design and data collection methods.

3. Data gathering, processing, and analysis.

4. Reliability and validity, for quantitative studies, and credibility, trust-worthiness, transferability, dependability, and conformability for qualitative studies.

5. Presentation of the research findings (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 22).

 

Basic research is theoretical and focuses on testing theories, related to space, gravity, etc. Applied research on the other hand is more specific and applicable to real life scenarios. It tends to “Be more pragmatic and emphasizes providing information that is immediately usable in the resolution of actual problems, which may or may not have application beyond the immediate study” (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 72). An example of applied research methods is action research, which “Is participative organizational research, focused on problem definition and resolution” (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 72). This type of research could include research by a school librarian looking for new ways to increase reading amongst reluctant readers. Connaway and Powell (2010) argued that basic research methods are important in the library and information science fields, because they help librarians discover new theories “In which to base our practice” (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 7).

 

Design a Research Project & Research Literature

The first step in designing a research project is the research question (Creswell, 2013).  The research question provides “A clear understanding of a project’s research objectives” and “Paves the way for other important decisions about the design and running of the project” (Thomas & Hodges, 2010, p. 43). The research question addresses issues or situations. It is the “Fundamental core of a research project, study, or review of literature. It focuses the study, determines the methodology, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting” (Research Rundowns, n.d.). The following are characteristics of a good research question.

 

1. The question is feasible.

2. The question is clear.

3. The question is significant.

4. The question is ethical (Research Rundowns, n.d.).

 

After deciding on a research question, researchers will pursue research starting with a literature review.  A literature review includes information that is related to the research question.  It will “Demonstrate knowledge about key features of the research topic, assess the strengths and weaknesses of the various research studies on the topic” (Thomas & Hodges, 2010, p. 107).  When choosing sources to include in a literature review it is important to take into consideration the following questions.

 

1. What is the author's expertise in this particular field of study (credentials)?

2. Are the author's arguments supported by empirical evidence (e.g. quantitative/qualitative studies)

3. Is the author's perspective too biased in one direction or are opposing studies and viewpoints also considered?

4. Does the selected source contribute to a more profound understanding of the subject (Concordia University, n.d.)?

 

The next step after the literature review is the actual design of the research project. Depending on the research question, researchers will choose either quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

There are two primary research method approaches, which are quantitative and qualitative methods.  The first step to performing research is choosing a method that best fits the information needed. Quantitative research methods “Involve a problem-solving approach that is highly structured in nature and relies on the quantification of concepts, where possible, for purposes of measurement and evaluation" (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 2). Quantitative means that the research is quantifiable, such as statistical data or surveys. This method includes surveys, case studies, experiment, etc. Figure 2 below shows the Quantitative research methods process.

 

 

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Figure 2

(Ladner, n.d.)

 

Qualitative research methods “Focus on observing events from the perspective of those involved and attempt to understand why individuals behave as they do “ (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 2). This type of research method is not as structured as quantitative research methods and takes on a natural approach to solving questions (Connaway & Powell, 2010, p. 2). Often researchers observe scenarios and take detailed notes as part of the process. Then they analyze those notes in order to find meaning in their observations. Figure 3 below shows the process for performing qualitative research methods.

 

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Figure 2

(Ladner, n.d.)

 

When performing well-rounded research in the library and science field, it is important for librarians to use both quantitative and qualitative research methods. For example, if a librarian is looking to research ways of improving services, it would be beneficial to use both methods. Quantitative could provide data about which services are used the most, while qualitative could provide information from the patron’s perspective. Quantitative methods could come from a “Macro-view satisfaction survey” (Katsirikou & Skiadas, 2012, p. 150). Qualitative methods could include “Micro-view discussions with groups of users to provide a more complete picture” (Katsirikou & Skiadas, 2012, p. 150). This type of mixed method research provides librarians with a bigger scope of information. 

 

Evidence

The following evidence includes MLIS coursework that I have completed during my time at San Jose State University.

 

1. INFO 200 Information Communities: Final Research Paper -The Online Information Community Twitch.tv

2. INFO 285 Research Methods in Library and Information Science, Action Research: Action Research Proposal

3. INFO 285 Research Methods in Library and Information Science, Action Research: “Protecting Human Research Participants” Certificate of Completion

 

INFO 200 Information Communities: Final Research Paper -The Online Information Community Twitch.tv

 

Evidence:

• Final Research Paper -The Online Information Community Twitch.tv

 

This final paper was the result of a semester long research project on an information community of my choosing. I researched the online information community Twitch.tv and their information seeking behaviors. I choose this community because of their unique landscape as an online gaming community. Here is the abstract from my paper, explaining what I researched.

 

Abstract

This research paper will examine the online information community Twitch.tv. It will touch on the concept of other online communities and take a look at Twitch.tv’s early years. It will offer up a succinct evaluation of Twitch.tv’s online ecosystem. With large amounts of information readily and quickly available online, this paper will discuss how Twitch.tv community members find and share information. It will answer the question of how members of the site sort and validate information on Twitch.tv. It will also answer how members know what roles to take on and what online interactions are considered socially acceptable. This paper will offer up various arguments on the negatives and positives of online gaming communities.  Discussing specifically Twitch.tv and how the site fits into today’s most recent definition of the word community. It will conclude with a reflection about the role of information professionals in relation to online communities and online information seeking. This paper will discuss how information professionals can help cultivate these online communities of information seekers. 

 

INFO 285 Research Methods in Library and Information Science, Action Research: Action Research Proposal

 

Evidence:

• Action Research Proposal

 

This was a semester long project which involved developing a research question, objectives, writing an introduction for a chosen research topic, literature review, and outline of methodology for collecting data. My action research proposal was titled “Supporting Literacy Skills and Reading in Reluctant Readers through Graphic Novels at Prospect Ridge Academy High School.” Here is the abstract, which explains the research project.

 

Abstract

Graphic novels provide readers with the opportunity to gain literacy, reading and critical thinking skills through images and text. Today, educators and librarians use graphic novels in their classrooms and libraries as a pedagogical tool for teaching students different literacy related competencies. Current research suggests that graphic novels increase interest levels in reading and improve comprehension skills amongst reluctant readers. This research proposal seeks to answer how educators and librarians can support literacy skills and reading in reluctant readers through graphic novels at Prospect Ridge Academy (PRA) High School.  This research proposal will discuss past research on graphic novels as an educational tool for increasing literacy, reading and critical thinking skills of reluctant readers. As well, provide insight to the characteristics of educational graphic novels and how they can be integrated into classroom instruction. Finally, this research proposal will discus the benefits of graphic novels in the instruction of two high school English classes at PRA High School for students and the library.

Keywords: critical thinking, graphic novels, high school, library, Prospect Ridge Academy, reading

 

INFO 285 Research Methods in Library and Information Science, Action Research: “Protecting Human Research Participants” Certificate of Completion

 

Evidence:

• “Protecting Human Research Participants” Certificate of Completion

 

This is a certificate I earned for completing an online course on “Protecting Human Research Participants.” San Jose State University required successful completion of the course for students who would be conducting research with living human beings. The course discussed the ethics of research. I passed each test and received the attached certificate of completion from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 

Conclusion

Research is a fundamental part of the library and information science field.  Librarians research new theories in the field and research questions from their patrons. The ability to successfully perform different models of research is an important skill set for all librarians. My coursework above showcases two different styles of research. The first one shows my ability to successfully research an information community and how they share and seek information. My second piece of evidence showcases my ability to perform action research using quantitative and qualitative research methods. While my third piece of evidence reflects that I understand the importance of ethical research methods.

 

References

American Library Association. (n.d.). Introduction to research in library and information science. Retrieved from

http://www.ala.org/research/larks/students

 

Creswell, J. W. (2013). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Los Angeles,

CA: Sage Publications.

 

Concordia University (n.d.). How to write a literature review. Retrieved from

http://library.concordia.ca/help/writing/literature-review.php

 

Connaway, L. S., & Powell, R. R. (2010). Basic research methods for librarians, fifth edition. Santa Barbara, CA:

Greenwood Publishing Co.

 

Katsirikou, A., & Skiadas, C. H. (2012). New trends in qualitative and quantitative methods in libraries. Singapore:

World Scientific Publishing Co.

 

Ladner, S. (n.d.). Qualitative vs quantitative. Retrieved from

http://www.slideshare.net/sladner/week03-qualitative-vs-quantitative-presentation-605574

 

Thomas, D., & Hodges, I. D. (2010). Designing and managing your research project: Core skills for social and

health research. Thousands Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

 

Research Rundowns (n.d.). Writing research questions. Retrieved from

https://researchrundowns.com/intro/writing-research-questions/