Introduction
The ways of scientific research and approaches to the presentation of academic work have always evolved in parallel with technological progress. Various scientific developments significantly improved the already existing long-term methods and principles of both quantitative and quantitative methodologies of the study. Digital and Internet technologies have enabled students and researchers to create new ways of presenting scientific papers. In other words, it greatly enhanced the visual and cognitive potential of academic works. Therefore, the question arises of how modern students use the principles of scientific research and show their findings. The purpose of this paper is to explore several different ways in which students approach research and how they present their educational material incorporating technology.
Students’ Methods of Research
Interview as a Research Method
One of the first and fundamental ways for students to conduct research is interviewing. It is essential to mention that, according to Adhabi and Blash Anozie, “interviews form the backbone of primary data collection in qualitative research designs” (p. 87). The reason for choosing this technique is that the interview is the basis of a quantitative study. Interviews can be incorporated into the classroom through dialogue, of which they are in fact. This research technique develops the social skills of students and also enables the team to learn the diverse cultural characteristics of each of the participants. Various categories of interviews exist that differ in structural characteristics and are limited only by the interests and capabilities of the researcher. Researchers note that “these can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured in-depth sessions with the researcher and a participant” (“Research Methods: What are research methods?”). This method can be successfully implemented in lessons related to healthcare and education.
The Questionnaire as a Research Method
The research method of questionnaire or survey is similar to interviewing but differs in its one-sidedness, quantitative methodology, and data analysis technique. According to Taherdooost, “the main objective of the questionnaire in research is to obtain relevant information in the most reliable and valid manner” (p. 28). This method is essential because it is a useful technique for interacting with large social masses. The questionnaire develops students’ skills in working with multiple types of statistics and social scales. Students are the most interactive and diverse social layer that makes it possible to conduct various social interventions and studies. A questionnaire or survey can also be carried out both publicly and anonymously on the parts of the researcher and the interviewee, as well as in real life and online. The questionnaire technique can be used in lessons like sociology, psychology, and anthropology.
Observation as a Research Method
The observational methodological way is also frequent in terms of research techniques. According to Wildemuth, “it is clear that the primary purpose of observation is to find out what people do; that is, this method of data collection is focused on the behaviors of participants in a particular setting” (p. 209). Its most essential aspect is that this method is used in all research methodologies. For example, researchers distinguish such qualitative observations as in-contextual, role-play, and on-sight (“Research Methods: What are research methods?”). Quantitative observations serve to count the cases of a specific phenomenon or their numerical coding for further interpretation (“Research Methods: What are research methods?”). Research observational techniques develop analytical skills and attentiveness of students. This technique excludes any interference; therefore, observation is easily combined with such ethical standards of the modern classroom as a safe space. Observation is a universal method and can be implemented in every lesson.
Document Analysis as a Research Method
The only type of study that excludes one-way or mutual interaction with people as the object of research is the method of document analysis. There, various texts act as a source of data for a qualitative study. It is also important to mention that document analysis is “interrogation of correspondence (letters, diaries, emails etc.) or reports” (“Research Methods: What are research methods?”). Document analysis develops students’ cognitive abilities, patience, and attentiveness. Modern students often use electronic methods of writing text, which simplifies the processes of implementation and research. This method will be most authentic with disciplines such as anthropology, history, historiography, jurisprudence, and literature. In quantitative methodology, there is a similar method for document screening; however, it is not used to study semantic content but to collect and analyze numerical data.
Experiments as a Research Method
Experiments are the most widely known and conventional method of conducting research both among students and the public. Experiments can reproduce unique and rare phenomena that will arouse students’ interest and facilitate the incorporation process. It is worth noting that specialists identify laboratory, field, quasi, and natural experimental types (“Research Methods: What are research methods?”). The nature of any experiment varies depending on the objectives and needs of the student. Therefore, it improves student’s understanding of the correlation of cause and effect (“Research Methods: What are research methods?”). Units associated with STEM have the necessary equipment and precautions, which ensures the standardization legitimacy of this method. Experiments are used in both technical and human lessons, but the technical field prevails.
Students’ Methods of Research Presentation
Video Essays as a Research Presentation Method
The presentation of research material in video format has long been a cultural norm among students and become more accepted among teachers. The most authentic and suitable for the standard student paper format is a video essay. It is possible to note that “because the creation of videos for YouTube has become so popular, many professors are assigning video essays as an alternative to traditional essays” (“Video Essays”). Using this presentation method, students can develop video and editing skills. Due to the development of social networks, most teachers and students nowadays are calm about video shootings in the classroom. Video essays can be used in disciplines related to psychology, cinematography, and philosophy.
Documentary Film as a Research Presentation Method
As well as a video essay, the documentary movie is another video format for the presentation of the study. Researchers note that “documentary film, motion picture that shapes and interprets factual material for purposes of education or entertainment” (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). As it was already noted above, many students are positive about participating in various video materials, which facilitates the incorporation of this method. Via this format, students can also recreate the practical part of the seen research. Documentary films have long been used as educational materials, which indicates the compliance of this technique with educational standards. The most suitable units for this research presentation method are biology, chemistry, physics, and sociology.
Info Graphics as a Research Presentation Method
With the development of digital and Internet technologies, such a method of presenting information as info graphics began to be widely used in the educational environment. According to Scott and Jenkinson, info graphics are “progressively being used to demonstrate key scientific concepts in the simple graphical form” (1). Info graphics use modern methods of attracting attention and presenting information, which became the reason for choosing this technique. It is info graphics that give an understanding of the correct positioning of textual and graphic research material. The ancestor of this method is the presentation poster, which was widely used in the educational field. The opportunity to include video and GIF animations provides their modern look. Studies show that students are much more comfortable with complex information and experimental data using this format (Scott and Jenkinson 1). The visual principle of info graphics is universal and applied in many different academic units and lessons.
Concept Maps as a Research Presentation Method
Concept maps serve to transmit information provide a competent understanding of the research material. It is possible to note that “a concept map is a node-link diagram in which each node represents a concept and each link identifies the relationship between the two concepts it connects” (Schroeder et al, p. 431). The method was chosen because, for a long time, this presentation technique has been present in academic discourse. Through concept cards, students learn more about the structure of the text and improve logical thinking. As it was noted above, the concept maps meet educational standards, and the brevity and information content of the text slides provide students with interest. This presentation technique may be presented in the studies related to the disciplines of micro and macroeconomics.
Alternate Reality Game as a Research Presentation Method
Another method of presenting scientific work that incorporates technology is the alternate reality game. It is worth chosen due to that the alternate reality game is the most interactive and sophisticated method of presenting research material. Although the implementation of this technique mainly via mobile software programs, the real environment can also be used (Jerrett III). This approach can develop students’ enthusiasm and interest in the scientific field. Simple incorporation is since modern students are used to participating in various online social media processes. In its core, it is a complex consisting of communication and experiment, and these mechanics have long been used in classrooms. Due to the uniqueness of this approach, compliance with its standards is still unknown. This method, mostly new and niche, can be used to conduct various experiments in psychological and sociological areas.
Conclusion
This work explores two essential topics in the framework of scientific and educational discourse. The first is a review and research of the ways of scientific study that guide modern students. It is also the study of current methods for the presentation of a specific academic material and findings that somehow incorporate technology. As a result, five relevant scientific methods and five technological approaches to the performance of works were identified. Proper research methods include an interview, questionnaire, observation, document analysis, and experiments. These methodological techniques have specific potential in the scientific fields of healthcare, education, history, history, literature, and other social and technical sciences. The ways of presenting educational material consist of video essays, documentaries, info graphics, conceptual maps, and alternate reality games. It was noted that the presentation methods are mostly universal, and their use can be incorporated from cinematography and philosophy to microeconomics and biology. Further research in this area will contribute to the identification of the most effective presentational techniques in terms of visualization and cognitive properties.
Works Cited
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