ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some important research concepts in human development and family studies (HDFS). It discusses issues surrounding participant selection and research ethics. The chapter also discusses how researchers, as well as students, present and analyze research in a comprehensive manner. Research in general may be considered the process of asking questions and discovering answers. Empirical research is when individuals use systematic observations to test hypotheses, or predictions that can be tested, and answer research questions. Much of the research done in HDFS has an applied focus and professionals are in a position to make connections between research and practice. One of the most important choices researchers must make when conducting research is selecting who will be asked to participate in their research. Typically, researchers conducting quantitative research will utilize different sampling techniques from researchers conducting qualitative research because each research type has different goals.
