Independently (, Wolfer (2007) Citations References). •

¶ … independently (, Wolfer (2007) citations references). • LIMIT quotes Wolfer (2007). It is important to be a critical reader of research (p. 19-23). What does this mean? What are the two goals of evaluating written research? Finally describe one error of thinking that can be avoided by critical reading. Being a critical reader of written research implies a deep and thorough understanding of the research topic, of the approach the researcher has provided, as well as the substantive nature of the arguments presented in support of that research.

Furthermore, a critical reader is also by definition one of the best audiences a research could aspire to. The role of research is not necessarily to convince an audience that is already convinced or passive, but rather to present the thesis to such a degree as to actually bring a contribution to the area of research. In this context, the critical reader represents a proper environment in which the researcher can test the theories, the arguments, and the flow of thoughts.

A critical reader means firstly to have the necessary background to be able to assess the information provided in the research itself as one cannot review a research without properly understanding the logic behind the presented facts. Also, a critical reader, once it has such a background, can provide a constructive feedback in regards to the research.

Most importantly though, a critical reader has formed its opinions from different other sources and may know sufficient approaches to a subject that would allow it to review the researched information from an objective perspective. Critical reading can ensure that certain mistakes are not made when reviewing information. One such mistake is taking the information provided in one research as an absolute truth on the certain matter.

This is why it is important that a critical eye assesses the research and one which is able to differentiate information, the resources used, as well as the author of such a research. 2. Give a brief description of what field research is. Pick one of the "thinking units" that benefit from field research In a personal understanding, field research represents the source of information needed for that type of research that would benefit extensively from the information gathered from natural settings and environments.

It is also the means thru which researchers conduct the most natural type of gathering of arguments or information. An example of one of the "thinking units" that benefits from field research is that of the settlements. Human settlements, be it large or small, are rather difficult to put in standard frameworks as each have their own particularities.

Even the standard frameworks that were established by researchers, such as the cosmopolis or the megapolis, the various types of rural settlements and communities, have been established as a result of field research and on the ground experience and analysis of the characteristics. Thus, at this point, such settlements have defining elements that make them fall into one category or another. At the same time though, a deep understanding of human behavior in such settlements implies a local research and hands-on experience of that natural setting.

The observation of humans in their natural habitat is essential for the research particularly because the researcher benefits from raw data that would make the foundation for various theories. Such raw data are vital for a better research of the conditions of settlements and for taking into account both the generalities and the specificities. 3.

Define both qualitative and quantitative research and then describe two differences between qualitative and quantitative research Both quantitative and qualitative research have their own place in the research process and complete each other while providing a complex view over a given subject. Quantitative research focuses on the raw data and especially on the ones that can be quantified, such as statistics, clear cut, objective information on a given subject (GEO, 2006). Elements of such research include formulas, surveys, and other means of acquiring valid, irrefutable information.

By contrast, qualitative research focuses on the interpretation of data and provides the opinions of others in regard to the subject. One of the main differences between quantitative and qualitative research is that while the former focuses on the data, the latter focuses on their interpretation. Another difference between the two is that in the first type of research the researcher represents an objective authority, whereas in the second type, qualitative research implies a subjective nature of the approach.

More precisely, quantitative research can also be influenced by the available resources (such as data bases, available statistics, groups of analysis), whereas qualitative research is greatly influenced by the background of the researcher and the ability it has to interpret the raw information acquired thru quantitative research. 4. Explain two ideas that you learn from Dr.