Theological Research Seminary: Presentation 2

1. By Kevin G. Smith
Introduction to Research
Theological Research Methodology

2. Outline
Summary of Leedy
Paul Leedy wrote a general
book of research
methodology, which is widely
used as a primer in graduate
programmes in the United
States. His opening chapter
has helpful insights regarding
the nature of research.
Summary of Vyhmeister
Nancy Vhymeister wrote one
of the view primer’s on
theological research. We
highly recommend her book.
She also provides an excellent
overview of research, with the
added advantage that she has
theological research in mind.

3. “THE DIMENSIONS OF RESEARCH”
Summary of Paul Leedy

4. Research has one primary goal: discovery!

5. False Conceptions of “Research”
• Research is the act of finding and transferring
information.
• Research is merely a word that is used to impress
others.
• Research is a catchword that exudes pomposity and
snares the gullible.

6. Webster’s Definition
“Research. A studious inquiry or
examination, especially a critical and exhaustive
investigation or experimentation having for its aim the
discovery of new facts and their correct
interpretation, the revision of accepted
conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of newly
discovered facts or the practical application of such
conclusions, theories, or laws.”

7. Webster’s Definition
• If there is no rigorous, critical, and exhaustive
investigation, there is no research.
• If there is no discovery, there is no research.
• If there is no interpretation of the data, there is no
research.
• If there is no formation, revision, or application of
theories, there is no research.

8. Research: An Eight-step Process
1. Research begins in the mind of the researcher. Research
originates in a curious, observant, inquisitive attitude that
recognizes that problem situations exist which need further
investigation.
2. Research demands that the researcher articulate a specific
goal for the investigative process. This is known as the
statement of the problem for research.
3. Research demands a specific plan of procedure. This is also
called the research method.

9. Research: An Eight-step Process
4. Research generally recognises that a frontal attack on the
entire problem is too much to attempt at one time. Every
problem can be divided into subproblems. By subdividing
the problem, it becomes more manageable. You solve one
part at a time.
5. Research is generally guided by constructs called
hypotheses. (Many research projects in the field of theology
are not hypothesis-driven.)

10. Research: An Eight-step Process
6. Research accepts certain critical assumptions that are
axiomatic and essential for the research process to proceed.
7. Research countenances only specific, measurable data
admissible in resolving the problem.
8. Research is, by nature, a circular or more exactly, a helical
process.

11. Research
Cycle
Research is a cyclical
process—actually, a
helical process. It
begins with a
problem, sees the goal
clearly, divides the
problem, postulates
tentative
solutions, gathers and
organises data, and
interprets the data.

12. Research
Cycle
Problem
Goal
Sub-
problems
Hypothesis
Collect
data
Interpret
data

13. “WHAT IS RESEARCH?”
Summary of Nancy Vyhmeister

14. Definition of Research
“Research can be defined as a method of study
that, through careful investigation of all evidence
bearing on a definable problem, arrives as a solution.
To research a topic is to
collect, organize, evaluate, and present data. This
process cannot take place without analysis and
synthesis, for research is more than compilation of
information.”

15. Definition of Research
Felipe Azofeifa: “Research is a (1) systematic search for
(2) adequate information to reach (3) objective
knowledge of a (4) specific topic.”
1) Systematic search: effort and process
2) Adequate information: evidence, not opinion
3) Objective knowledge: facts, not suppositions
4) Specific topic: narrow, delimited scope

16. Process of Research
Identify
Collect
Evaluate
Present

17. Misconceptions about Research
1. Research is not a compilation of quotations.
2. Research is not simply reworking others’ words or
ideas into a neat description.
3. Research is not a defense or apology of my own
convictions.
4. Research is not polemical.
5. Research is not the presentation of personal
opinions.
6. Research is not a sermon.

18. Value of Research
1. Learning to do research teaches you how to
recognise a problem and how to go about solving it.
2. You learn more about your topic by writing a
research paper than by learning from a teacher.
3. You learn best by doing. Research requires active
learning, not passive listening.

19. Value of Research
4. Preparing a quality research paper teaches skills of
observation, analysis, synthesis, and judgement.
5. Writing a research paper will help you to develop
character, especially perseverance.
6. Writing a research paper will help you to cultivate
good writing skills.

20. Value of
Research
Values of
Research
Problem
solving
In-depth
knowledge
Active
learning
Critical
thinking
Character
growth
Writing
skills

21. SUMMARY

22. Summary
1. Research is NOT a matter of collecting and
transferring information.
2. Research is a rigorous inquiry to discover the
solution to a specific problem.
3. Research follows a logical plan or process to
reach its conclusions.
4. Research has value far beyond the paper.