Context and Focus

In Chapter $9,$ Case & Given present and explain important concepts related to the research process. They cover the explanation of methodologies,

various methods, and how to design a research study, using examples from information behavior research to demonstrate these concepts. Understanding

the research process is important as it helps you grasp and assess the results of research studies. While all content in this chapter is significant, the

sections on the "stages of research" and "ethics in research" are highlighted as especially crucial. It's also important to understand that research can

involve many methodologies and methods. A useful summary of these can be found in Table $9\mathrm{.}1($pg$.221).$ Additionally, Case & Given state, $"$We must

consider how information seeking has been studied to assess what we know about it$"($pg$.219).$

Discussion Questions: When responding to the discussion forum assignment, please aim for conciseness and clarity in your answers. This approach will help you

to articulate your thoughts effectively and allow for a focused analysis of the key points from the readings.

Design and Methodology $($Respond in $1$ paragraph$)$: In the first paragraph, outline the overall design and methodology of your proposed study.

Discuss whether the study will be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed$-$methods, and justify this choice based on your research questions and

objectives. Describe the specific methods you plan to use for data collection $($e$.$g$.,$ surveys, interviews, observation$)$ and provide a rationale for

these choices. Mention how you intend to sample participants or select cases.

Reliability, Validity and Ethics $($Respond in $1$ paragraph$)$: In the second paragraph, address the operational aspects of your study. Explain how you

will ensure reliability and validity in your findings. Describe any tools or instruments you will use, such as questionnaires or coding schemes. Outline

the steps you will take to analyze the data. Finally, identify potential ethical considerations in your study and explain how you will address them.

Reflection on the Research Design Process $($Respond in $1$ paragraph$)$: Finally, reflect on the process of developing your research design. Discuss the

challenges you faced in narrowing down your ideas and methods into a concise design. Reflect on how this process helped you better understand

the process of conceptualizing, framing, and designing a research study. As mentioned in the lecture, reflect on how this process could help you in a

professional work environment.