Research Methodology
Overview & Objectives |
The purpose of this module is to assist students in agricultural science courses with designing research methods in which they can conduct an agriculture experiment and gain valid and reliable data that will add to the scientific body of knowledge.
For more information about the author of this module review the About section of this site. |
Why can't I use everything that comes up on a google search? |
As the world wide web has become more widely available, the access to information sharing has increased. Social media users are a great example of how individuals may quickly jump to conclusions, or even share or like articles that may be spreading misinformation. Since anyone can post anything on the internet we need to be cautious and consider facts before we make decisions or form opinions.
Through the internet information can travel rapidly, and with this accessibility comes great responsibility. Scientists share this responsibility to report the truth and contribute to the body of scientific knowledge in an ethical way. Ask Yourself Before You Share, 2014
In this course you will be designing and conducting a research project. As a researcher we strive to add the body of knowledge and seek to solve problems which may take the form of increasing efficiency or even designing new projects.
It's important to understand not every search result is one that's necessarily appropriate or accurate. |
Module 2 Discussion Post # 1 |
Social media is full of pranks and mistruths, as is other media. It's our responsibility to consider facts we are presented with and determine their validity.
Discuss a time when you have been pranked with mistruths (on social media or any other experience). How did this make you feel? Did you give this misinformation to anyone else? How far do you think the prank reached? |
Module 2
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The host of the YouTube "Writing Capstone - Finding Good Sources" outlines several key ideas writers should look for when choosing resources.
Directions: Work collaboratively in your group to create a public service announcement video regarding the concerns with content on the internet and the key ideas recommended to evaluate these sources. Your group will upload your video to YouTube and the class will review each submission to choose the best one to share on the chapter's YouTube channel. Videos should be no longer than 4 minutes maximum. Creativity, quality of workmanship, and content are all important. Review the rubric here. |
Wikipedia is accurate, right? |
Read the article by clicking the button below. What concerns exist with accuracy of wikipedia and other websites beyond the medical issues discussed in the article?
Review the wikipedia article on "Soil" by quickly scrolling through.
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Module 2 Discussion Post # 2 |
Choose a resource from those in the reference list of the soil article. Investigate it. Based on what you know do you feel it's a reliable source. Defend your claims with evidence. Be sure to paste the link of your resource in your discussion posting so your classmates can visit the link to examine your claims.
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So if I can't cite Wikipedia and blogs, then what can I cite? |
University Extension documents are on webpages. Why are they okay, but not other websites?Not all websites are reliable. Sometimes you will need to use your judgement. As a general rule if you are unsure about the credibility of the resource you can research it's references and get to the origin of the content. It's preferred to cite the original source.
Resources that are based on facts and not opinion should be considered before making decisions and forming opinions. Resources that are peer reviewed are typically regarded as more likely to be accurate.
Review the links above. Compare the references on this single topic used in the links. How does the content vary in each resource type?
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Module 2
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Do a google search for an agricultural topic you might be intersted in researching.
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Module 2 Reflection |
As we move through the semester and into your future, it is extremely important we consider the accuracy of sources of information. When presented with ideas and facts we should consider them carefully. How were these facts attained? Is there another motive here? For this course and most scientists, books, journal articles, UC extension documents, university and government websites make up the majority of their resources. They can use these resources to assist in the design and investigation of scientific questions. In order to design research projects that add to the body of scientific knowledge it is important we identify what is already known on the topic and either build or challenge those ideas. As a result of this module you should feel more comfortable in identifying appropriate resources for the agriscience research project as well as personal learning activities in the future. In the next modules you will build skills in locating scientific resources and reading journal articles. These skills will build to your culminating project of identifying an agriculture question, designing a methodology and conducting research. You will have the opportunity to share your conclusions with the class in the form of a research paper as well as a poster.
Knowledge is power, but misinformation could be problematic. Consider the following quote: “A lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on.” ― Terry Pratchett, The Truth Directions: Consider the quote and the resources discussed in the unit. Write a 1-2 page reflection of your learning and how you will apply it. Reflections should focus on your responsibility as a researcher and the strategies you'll utilize moving forward with researching, designing, and reporting the results of your agriscience research project with appropriate resources as well as applying these concepts to your personal life. Review the rubric here. |
References
- Ask Yourself Before You Share. (2014). Retrieved from https://pattarapornmuenlek.wordpress.com/2014/11/29/ask-yourself-before-you-share/
- Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2012). How to design and evaluate research in education (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
- French Model Commercial (CC) Full-length. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_CgPsGY5Mw
- Joey Skaggs. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.azquotes.com/quote/676350
- Writing Capstone - Finding Good Sources. (2009). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM4Abds7I6k