Mastering Research Methods: Tools, Citations, and Data Collection

Standard Academic Abbreviations and Citation Terms

A, AA:

Author, authors.

V V. AA:

Several authors.

Art, cit:

Article cited.

Ca.:

Circa (About, around).

Cf., Cf.:

Confer (Compare).

Al., Et al.:

Et alii (And collaborators/others).

Dir:

Director, directed.

ed., eds.:

Edition, editor(s).

fl.:

Floruit (Flourished).

ibid.:

Ibidem (In the same place).

idem:

The same.

loc. cit.:

Loco citato (In the location cited).

m:

Mortuus (Dead).

n:

Natus (Born).

OC:

Opera Omnia (Complete works).

op. cit.:

Opere citato (In the work cited).

PASS:

Passim (In diverse places).

pseud:

Pseudonym.

suppl:

Supplement.

Research Tools and Data Collection Methods

Minimum Criteria for Effective Question Design

These criteria ensure the quality and reliability of responses from participants:

1. The question is necessary for the research objective.
2. Few questions are needed to obtain the required information.
3. The respondent possesses the necessary information to answer.
4. The respondent is willing (disposed) to provide information.
5. The question is phrased in clear terms.
6. The question avoids affective loads (emotional bias).
7. The question is not excessively personal.

Core Research Tools and Data Management

• Research Tools: The means used to obtain data from a studied reality or phenomenon.
• Information Array (Data Repository): A manual or virtual space where data obtained through the instrument is stored.
• Tabulation: The process by which data is extracted, organized, and summarized from a research instrument.

The Questionnaire Method

A structured set of questions designed to gather information from respondents.

Advantages of the Questionnaire:

• Less expensive than a personal interview.
• Requires less administrative skill to deploy.
• Can be sent remotely (e.g., by mail) with minimal explanation.
• Offers greater confidence in anonymity.

Drawback:

• If a respondent does not understand a question, it often remains unanswered or incorrectly answered, as clarification is unavailable.

The Observation Method

The visual capacity the researcher uses to capture and record the phenomena of the studied reality.

Observation Classification:

1. Unstructured (Chance): The researcher compiles a list of items for viewing but lacks a rigid, pre-developed guide.
2. Systematic (Structured): The researcher develops a detailed guide or protocol specifically for observations.
3. Participative: The researcher observes and actively participates in the activities of the individuals or community being studied.

The Interview Method

Data obtained through direct, personal contact between the interviewee and the researcher.

Benefits of the Interview:

• Facilitates dialogue and communication.
• If the question is not understood, it can be asked again or clarified immediately.
• The researcher can be aware of the environment and context of the investigation.

Disadvantages:

• If respondents fail to comply with the scheduled interview.
• If respondents withhold information due to fear or lack of ethics, the objectives of the interview may not be achieved.