In this week’s session, we revisited the basics of research methodology, focusing on the difference between primary (original) and secondary (existing) research. We were reminded about the importance of credibility and academic integrity when writing, especially the need to correctly cite all sources to avoid plagiarism or ethical issues.
We also learned key criteria for choosing sources: they should be accurate, relevant, consistent with the research focus, and neutral in tone. This helps keep the research clear, concise, and professional. Transparency is important too—for example, if surveys are used, details about participants and responses should be included for clarity.
The lesson also introduced the concept of “method” as the specific steps taken during research, such as data collection and analysis. We looked at different research approaches—quantitative and qualitative—and how each has its own philosophy and techniques. Understanding these helps in selecting the best method for a study.
An insightful video illustrated how frameworks (mental structures or perspectives) shape how we interpret information, using the example of a child identifying an animal based on previous experience. This showed how having the right frameworks is crucial to accurate understanding, both in research and everyday life.
Finally, we learned a practical way to find relevant frameworks for our research topics: start by identifying keywords, search for those combined with “framework,” then check academic sources to ensure validity. This approach helps find frameworks that are both easy to understand and academically credible.