Running head: SYNTHESIS PAPER
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Synthesis Paper
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Anjanet Johnson Liberty University
Author Note
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Anjanet Johnson, Department of Psychology, Liberty University.
Anjanet Johnson is currently studying Psychology at Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA.
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Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Anjanet Johnson,
Department of Psychology, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515. E-mail: ajohnson377@liberty.edu
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There are a variety of words that come to mind when a person hears the word research. Depending on who is asked, you may get simple answers like papers, essays, books, history, and so forth. You may also come across answers such as science, studies, and experiments. In connection with the word research, comes different styles of research and methods. Depending on what is being researched, the methodology being used can include several steps to complete. This paper will detail what the female subject has learned in reference to research at an introductory level using the case-study approach. This paper will also include an examination of
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what has been learned from the biblical, Christian perspective.
What was Learned
Uses of Research
Research is defined as (1) careful or diligent search, (2) studious inquiry or examination, especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such
new or revised theories or laws, and (3) the collecting of information about a particular subject
("Definition of RESEARCH", 2019). To sum it up, research is used as a way to find answers to
questions one may have. Research is used for a variety of different reasons including to test old
ideas, generate new ones, and help bring understanding and awareness. It is also used as a way to
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seek truths, provide explanations and build knowledge. These are just a few of the many uses for research that the subject has revealed in this study. Research can also be found in everyday
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experiences such as on a daily commute, in a classroom, or even a television program.
Organizations and companies even use research in the form of online and web surveys to their
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customers. These different uses for research are only a start in the research process as there are different methodologies that are used based on the use of the research. Scientific Methods “Psychologists use a variety of research methods to investigate topics of interest” (Crawford, 2019, p. 4). There are a few different research methods to choose from when conducting an experiment or research. For example, you can use experimental or nonexperimental research methods to conduct your research. Experimental research involves the
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manipulation of a variable or variables being studied, and assigning participants to treatment conditions (Crawford, 2019, p. 71). Over this course period, the subject has learned how to
conduct and interpret experimental research. For example, the subject knows the difference
between a research topic and a research question. A research topic is a idea that has not been
defined and a research question is an idea that has been defined. According to Crawford (2019), Research questions are more direct and narrower. After narrowing down your topic and forming a research question, the next step is to generate ideas. You can generate new ideas by using
everyday experiences, prior research on the topic of discussion, a theory and using a current
functional problem that needs answering. Once new ideas have been generated, it is now time to conduct your search and start the experiment process if applicable. non-experimental methods.
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Non-experimental research does not rely on manipulation of variables (Crawford, 2019 p.
71). The subject has identified four non-experimental methods that she has learned such as
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archival research, content analysis, case study, and survey research. Archival research uses
existing records to conduct research, and content analysis is very similar to archival research. However, there is a difference. “In this research method, you basically count the number of times
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a particular content of interest occurs” (Crawford, 2019, p. 80). Case study is another nonexperimental research method that involves the study of an individual or event in its natural setting. This method uses an in-depth observation of unusual or complex issues in a real-world setting. The last non-experimental research method the subject included in what she learned was the survey research method. This method uses questionnaires to obtain information about an individual. The student has also learned and identified some disadvantages to these research methods such as all results cannot be generalized. Another disadvantage is that methods such as
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case studies requires observation and the presence of the researcher can cause a person to not be their natural self., which makes it more difficult for the researcher not obtaining factual or
truthful results. However, as a collective group, non-experimental designs have a benefit of providing researchers with information that would many times be unethical or practically impossible to obtain otherwise (Crawford, 2019, p. 86). APA Style and Scholarly Sources
The subject has identified knowing some information about APA style formatting such as how to properly cite and reference books and websites, since she is currently studying
psychology at Liberty University. However, after taking psychology 255 and studying the APA manual, she has learned a bit more. The subject has identified that she learned how to cite and reference multiple resources such as a form of communication. She has also learned how to
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properly use and format different level headings as well as where and how to find proper
scholarly sources. Organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and
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Association of Psychological Science (APS) are scholarly organizations who conduct
conferences that can be attended to receive information on a variety of events. Scholarly sources can also be journal articles, peer-reviewed articles, books, and the internet. Although the internet
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does provide a lot of information, the subject knows that information found on the internet or in the media can be misinterpreted, misconstrued or just flat out lies. You can also find scholarly sources on PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES. PsycINFO is an abstract database and PsyARTICLES is a database that provides access to full-text articles. According to the Subjects textbook “In psychology, the most commonly accessed databases are PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES. Both of these databases have been developed and are maintained by APA” (Crawford, 2019, p. 121).
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Biblical and Christian Critique Different scholarly disciplines have different publication styles. In contrast, basic ethical and legal principles underlie all scholarly research and writing (APA, 2010). The subject knows that there is information everywhere you turn. However, with all of the information that is available only a fraction of it is true. The subject was seen to be getting frustrated and
overwhelmed with learning about research in regard to its methods and APA style format. However, she decided to look to the Bible for guidance and comfort and how it can be incorporated into research and its methodologies.
The subject believes that research and the Bible relate more than people know. Proverbs 17:24 says “A discerning person keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth” (New International Version). The subject states “a person who recognizes or
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distinguishes differences between certain things, is forever seeking wisdom or knowledge. Those that do not distinguish or separate, will believe whatever is told to them” (personal
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communication, March 20, 2019). Her statement can be generalized between Christianity and
research. Research that engages with activism to create social change also requires researchers to tackle risk, grapple with uncertainty, and abdicate control over the research process (Trauger, &
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