Statement of Competency 12

Competency 12: Demonstrate understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methods, the ability to design a research project, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize research literature.

Introduction

Research is fundamental to librarianship, which depends on reliable data to advance the profession and to convince the public of our value to society. Effective research revolves around a focused topic, a carefully constructed research question or hypothesis, and a defined population. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies are designed to test the hypothesis or answer the research question. A series of guidelines describes the systematic gathering of data that informs a study. Results are interpreted and presented to a specific audience and environment.

Researchers must choose a methodology that will yield data relating to the research question. Results of the study then lead to logical conclusions derived from the evidence. Quantitative methodologies “involve the measurement of quantity or amount relating to a researched phenomenon, while qualitative methodologies involve the measurement of quality or kind relating to a researched phenomenon” (Beck & Manuel, 2008, p. 11). Quantitative approaches use numbers to answer the research question. A quantitative methodology is “objective, uses deductive techniques, tests hypotheses, and employs instruments that reduce data to numbers” (p. 70). Qualitative approaches seek to explain how or why people behave or feel the way they do, and use an open and evolving plan that produces rich linguistic information. Quantitative and qualitative methods are not necessarily opposed, and many studies combine both approaches to form a more complete picture.

A variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are available, depending on the type and focus of the study. Action research is useful for “solving problems at the local level” (Beck & Manuel, 2008, p. 195). It involves a practical problem that can be improved through the collective consensus of multiple stakeholders. Content analysis is described by Krippendorff as being helpful for “making replicable and valid inferences from texts to the contexts of their use” (White & Marsh, 2006, p. 23). This type of research is linguistic, and focused on recorded information sources that can be coded and categorized. An experimental approach “engages in testing or trying for the sake of discovery or proof” (Beck & Manuel, 2008, p. 131). Also known as the scientific method, experimental approaches have a formal hypothesis, and usually produce numerical data. Focus groups, interviews, and surveys are useful when the main concern is to understand the opinions and feelings of a particular population. These types of approaches are generally used to address a local problem. Observational methods look at how humans behave, and can solve local issues or be applied to general theoretical questions.

Regardless of the chosen methodologies, researchers should ensure the reliability and validity of their work. Reliability refers to a sound study, where similar results are achieved when the same conditions are applied. Validity is the study’s success at measuring what the researcher sets out to measure. In other words, a valid study answers its own research question. (Legault, 2014)

Evidences

The following evidence is submitted to satisfy Competency 12:

An academic music library user survey: Research proposal, a paper from INFO 285 Research Methods
Research methods critique, an assignment from INFO 285 Research Methods
Critique: Library codes of ethics, a discussion post from INFO 281 Government Secrecy

INFO 285 An academic music library user survey: Research proposal

This paper is my culminating project for INFO 285 Research Methods. My research proposal focuses on improving library services for academic music library patrons. The proposed study identifies the evolving information needs and behaviors of university music library users, and recommends ways for music libraries to address these trends. The paper specifies three research questions that have not been answered previously. A literature review describes and evaluates existing scholarly research in the field, and demonstrates how the proposed study builds on and moves beyond these works. The research design incorporates a user survey that addresses a defined sample population of university music students, ascertaining its information needs, usage, and preferences. Limitations of this methodology are addressed. Data collection and analysis are explained, and the final product is described. The proposal includes the survey instrument, a research timeline, and a request for funding.

I feel that this is a professional document, which could be submitted to a real-life academic music library for consideration. The proposal demonstrates that I understand how to design and conduct research, how to evaluate and synthesize research literature, and how to apply appropriate research methods in a specific work environment. My paper is strong evidence that I am aware of how quantitative and qualitative methodologies interact and can be applied to a study in the library and information profession. This paper clearly shows that I have mastered Competency 12.

INFO 285 Research methods critique

This assignment from INFO 285 is a critical appraisal of a study that uses unobtrusive techniques to evaluate virtual and e-mail reference services in academic music libraries. The study is analyzed in terms of its credibility, integrity, and usefulness. Guidelines for critiquing qualitative research are used to appraise its strengths and limitations, including the author’s credentials, the title, abstract, research question and purpose, literature review, methodology, ethics, data collection and analysis, rigor, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and references. This paper demonstrates my understanding of research methodologies, and my ability to evaluate research literature.

INFO 281 Critique: Library codes of ethics

This discussion post from INFO 281 is a critique of a study on the library codes of ethics from different countries. The post identifies the methodologies used, along with several weaknesses in the author’s application of these methodologies. I conclude that the inclusion of only codes written in English or those with existing English translations, the analysis of terminology of translations, and the broad categorization of countries renders the study of little value. This discussion is evidence that I am able to evaluate research literature.

Conclusion

The above evidence demonstrates my ability to design a research project that uses appropriate methodologies. I understand qualitative and quantitative research methods and how to apply them to a specific work environment. I am capable of using guidelines to critique a scholarly study, and to evaluate its applicability to a specific environment. Through the evidence presented above, I have shown that I have mastered Competency 12.

References

Beck, S. E., & Manuel, K. (2008). Practical Research Methods for Librarians and Information Professionals. Chicago, IL: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

Legault, B. (2014, November 24). Reliability vs Validity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epWvQvTtVUA

White, M. D. & Marsh, E. E. (2006). Content analysis: A flexible methodology. Library Trends, 55(1), 22-45.