Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides applications of the central components of research in order to give both novice and experienced researchers common ground from which to work. It focuses on the research components, addressing them through a series of questions whose answers are essential to understanding research. The book addresses common misconceptions about research and offers advice for all researchers. It describes the seven terms, namely conceptual framework, epistemology, paradigm, theory, theoretical framework, methodology, and method that appear to be the most in need of clarity. They are the essential ideas that ground every research study and can have an impact on not only the development of the study but also how the data are analyzed and the results interpreted. There are additional terms that every researcher should explore; these include ontology, or “views of reality”, and analysis and interpretation.