Chapter 1 Research Methodology Introduction 1 Research Methodology

Chapter 1 Research Methodology - Introduction 1

Research Methodology - Introduction l Introduction and Overview of Research l Definitions and explanations of the related terms l Characteristics of a good research 2

Research - Introduction l You find a research idea when there is a gap in the current knowledge or an unanswered question that interests you. • The “Why” questions • Looks for explanations • Requires intelligence gathering first to provide data • Assesses information and critically evaluates it • Identifies where further data is required to provide further information to answer the question 3

Research - Introduction v Choosing the research topic v Defining the research problem v Critical review of the literature v Research Design v Various Research Tools v Thesis Writing v Research Management v Research Ethics 4

Research - Introduction l Creativity l Open mind l Curiosity l Patience l Persistence l Positive Attitude l Discipline and focus 5

Research - Definition l Formalized method of collecting data to answer a question or solve a problem l Theory ¡ Explanation which unites a large body of facts ¡ Relies on testable hypotheses l Hypothesis/inference ¡ Premise, supposition ¡ Used to test or examine theories 6

Research - Definition Research is a quest for knowledge through diligent search or investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of new knowledge. (WHO) Research is an art of scientific investigation. A systematized (Redman). effort to gain new knowledge A careful investigation or inquiry specially through search for new facts in any branch of knowledge (Advanced learners’ Dictionary) 7

Research - Definition • Orderly procedure by which one increases knowledge which is in contrast to accidental discovery because it follows a series of steps designed to develop information - Andrew & Hildebrand • Systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena - Kerlinger 8

Research - Introduction The word research derives from “recherche”. Its literal meaning is: French To systematic process of collecting and analyzing information (data) in order to discover of new knowledge or expand verify of the existing one (e. g. theory - law) To do so, it is required a. . Scientific Method 9

Research - Scientific Method Scientific method is the method involves the concepts of : Objectivity - Acceptability - Inductive Reasoning - Deductive Reasoning objectivity acceptability inductive reasoning deductive reasoning Indicates the attempt to observe things as they are, without falsifying observations to accord with some preconceived world view. Acceptability is judged in terms of the degree to which observations and experimentations can be reproduced. Reasoning from specific observations and experiments to more general hypotheses and theories Reasoning from theories to account for specific experimental results 10

Characteristics of a Good Research l The most important characteristic of a good research is that it is testable. l A second characteristic of the good research is that your chances for success are increased when your view of nature approximates reality as closely as possible. When reality is approximated there is a good likelihood of success. “The closer our project comes to approximating reality, the greater the likelihood of successfully unlocking some of the secrets of nature. ” Smith/Davis 11

Characteristics of a Good Research l Clearly defined purpose l Detailed process ¡ l Well planned research design ¡ l Providing procedures used to conduct the study Results should be as objective as possible Maintain high ethical standards ¡ Being responsible and concerned for the welfare of the participants 12

Characteristics of a Good Research l Reveal limitations ¡ Acknowledge shortcomings in the research l Adequate analysis ¡ Method chosen is appropriate l Conclusions justified ¡ Not over-generalizing l Findings/results presented clearly ¡ Readily understood language 13

Characteristics of a Good Research l Theoretical Framework ¡ Theory (integration of facts and ideas) ¡ Hypothesis (testable prediction about the relationship between 2 or more variables) l Standardized Procedures l Generalizability from a Sample l Objective Measurement 14

Characteristics of a Good Research v Good research skills develop with continual testing, reviewing and criticism of your work and others v Conventional wisdom may not bear critical, impartial evaluation v Good researchers examine data critically v Both the data itself, and its source v They need to ask – ¡ Are the facts right? ¡ Can data be found? ¡ Can the results be interpreted differently? 15

Characteristics of a Good Research Developing Research Skills l Development through – ¡ ¡ Practice Self assessment Feedback from peers Feedback from researchers 16

Characteristics of a Good Research Basic Research Skills Required l Ability to write technical papers l To be able to marshal facts into logical order l To present arguments well, citing theory to clarify and support assertions l To acknowledge other views on a subject and put them into perspective l To write clearly, tersely and unambiguously l Ability to unearth reference material from a variety of sources such as – ¡ ¡ ¡ Traditional abstracts of academic papers CD-ROM abstracts the Internet 17

Characteristics of a Good Research Basic Research Skills Required l The ability to design and analyse questionnaires l The ability to design and conduct interviews l The ability to use statistical techniques l The ability to design experiments to test out hypotheses “Quality work is never an accident”. 18

Problems in Good Research l Uncontrollable variables l Human tendencies l Time and money l Lack of computerization l Lack of scientific training in the methodology of research l Insufficient interaction between university research departments and business establishments l Lack of confidence on the part of business units to give information l Lack of code of conduct 19

Problems in Good Research l Difficulty of adequate and timely secretarial assistance l Poor library management and functioning l Difficulty of timely availability of published data. l Ignorance l Research for the sake of research-limited practical utility though they may use high sounding business. 20

Characteristics of Good Researchers l Enthusiastic l Open-minded l Common sense l Ability to assume other roles l Self-confident l Creative and inventive l Effective communicator l Attentive to details l Possesses integrity and honesty l Ethical l Accepting of valid criticism l Address real-world issues 21

TYPES OF RESEARCH Æ Descriptive vs Analytical Research Descriptive Research is a fact finding investigation which is aimed at describing the characteristics of individual, situation or a group (or) describing the state of affairs as it exists at present. Analytical Research is primarily concerned with testing hypothesis and specifying and interpreting relationships, by analyzing the facts or information already available. 22

TYPES OF RESEARCH ÆApplied vs Fundamental Research Applied Research or Action Research is carried out to find solution to a real life problem requiring an action or policy decision. Fundamental Research which is also known as basic or pure research is undertaken for the sake of knowledge without any intention to apply it in practice. It is undertaken out of intellectual curiosity and is not necessarily problem-oriented. 23

TYPES OF RESEARCH Æ Quantitative vs Qualitative Research Quantitative Research is employed for measuring the quantity or amount of a particular phenomena by the use of statistical analysis. Qualitative Research is a non-quantitative type of analysis which is aimed at finding out the quality of a particular phenomenon. 24

TYPES OF RESEARCH ÆConceptual vs Empirical Research Conceptual Research is generally used by philosophers and thinkers to develop new concepts or to reinterpret existing ones. Empirical Research is a data based research which depends on experience or observation alone. It is aimed at coming up with conclusions without due regard for system and theory. 25

Some other types of research. . Æ One-time Research – Research confined to a single time period. Æ Longitudinal Research – Research carried on over several time periods. Æ Diagnostic Research – It is also called clinical research which aims at identifying the causes of a problem, frequency with which it occurs and the possible solutions for it. Æ Experimental Research – It is designed to assess the effect of one particular variable on a phenomenon by keeping the other variables constant or controlled. 26

Some other types of research. . Æ Exploratory Research – It is the preliminary study of an unfamiliar problem, about which the researcher has little or no knowledge. It is aimed to gain familiarity with the problem, to generate new ideas or to make a precise formulation of the problem. Hence it is also known as formulative research. Æ Historical Research – It is the study of past records and other information sources, with a view to find the origin and development of a phenomenon and to discover the trends in the past, inorder to understand the present and to anticipate the future. 27

Chapter 2 Choosing the Research Topic 28

Choosing the Research Topic l Topic selection involves identifying a general subject, narrowing it and formulating questions. Identify a general subject l Instructor or supervisor may specify a broad area of study, assign a particular topic, provide a list of possible topics… l Personal interest & experience: your supervisor’s major or interest l Literature review: recently published books or journals suggest undiscussed questions for research. 29

Choosing the Research Topic Selection of research topic should be based on • Magnitude of the problem and its impact • Urgency of the need for a solution. • Relevance to the aim of the funding agency. • Amenability of the problem to investigation. • Feasibility of the approach. • Chances of success, etc. 30

Choosing the Research Topic Sources l Avoid topics which may induce strong reactions; avoid topics which are overly ambitious (motivated) and overly challenging l Importance and interest; availability of resources manage ability; l A small piece of an important topic or a small piece of an area that attract you. l Nonsystematic Sources l systematic Sources 31

l Choosing the Research Topic Sources Nonsystematic Sources Inspiration l Ideas that pop into one’s mind from (seemingly) nowhere. Inspiration usually comes more easily after one has been working on a particular problem for some time. Serendipity – Accidental thought, Coincidence l Refers to those situations where we look for one phenomenon but find another. Everyday Occurrences l The people and/or situations one encounters daily provide some of the best possibilities for research. 32

Choosing the Research Topic Sources l Systematic Sources Research ideas from systematic sources are carefully organized and logically thought out ¡ Past Research l A careful survey of the research done in a specific area will highlight any knowledge gaps or unanswered questions in that area. • A failure to replicate a previous finding raises additional questions that only continued research will be able to answer. 33

Choosing the Research Topic Sources l Systematic Sources Theory l The guidance function of a theory provides an endless panorama of projects for researchers who take the time and trouble to master theory and understand its implications. Classroom Lectures l Lectures often include a systematic review of the relevant literature on a particular topic and as such are a good source of research ideas. 34

Choosing the Research Topic Systematic Sources - Sources Reading the literature Types of reference works: 1. index – indices or indexes: published quarterly, monthly, annually or bi-annually; presented according to the author’s name & subject; providing the year, place or publication, name, where and how it can be obtained and the form in which it was published. 2. Bibliographies: list of related publications and other materials 3. Collections of abstracts: summaries of journal articles and other literature. 35

Choosing the Research Topic Reading the literature. Sources Types of reference works: 4. Dictionaries: 5. Encyclopedia: give introductory information about subjects. 6. Yearbooks: present books about specific years in 7. Unpublished papers: conference papers or manuscripts circulated among colleagues for discussion. Up-to-date the past 36

Choosing the Research Topic Reading the literature. Sources Types of reference works: 8. Journals: a collection of papers published regularly as language, journal of linguistics, journal of pragmatics, applied linguistics. 9. Textbooks: a good introductory survey, explain concepts more systematically than research papers do. 10. Research monograph: single author’s theory or viewpoint about a topic. 37

Choosing the Research Topic – Idea Generation Narrow down the topic l What is the right size of the topic that is sufficient for a MSc / Ph. D thesis? E. g. Choose an alternating automotive body material (Ph. D Thesis) – It involves to study the material in its mechanical, thermal, physical properties, safety, Fuel consumption, lifetime, luxury etc. . l A broad topic can not give sufficient direction to research, and may necessitate superficial treatment of the subject. 38

Choosing the Research Topic – Idea Generation l A broad topic can not give sufficient direction to research, and may necessitate superficial treatment of the subject. l A narrow topic will yield inadequate information. l A too technical topic may demand knowledge you cannot acquire in the time allotted. Machine translation… 39

Choosing the Research Topic Focusing Analysis of example l Acquisition of English vocabulary – too broad l Who are the learners? Vocabulary in speaking or writing? How you go about the research? Interview, questionnaire? 40

Choosing the Research Topic Focusing Read the literature review and discuss with researchers l Researching a general topic and deciding the research focus through literature review. l If it is motivated by personal experience or observation, …read to examine whether it is worth investigating. Read the abstracts of papers relevant to your topic. (not studied or different from others in one or more aspects) l Discuss with your supervisor or your classmates 41

Choosing the Research Topic Focusing Why examine past research? l Learn what is already known l Learn about various variables that have been evaluated l Learn what theories have been proposed l Discover a question you want to investigate l Decide on replication, replication with extension, or original research 42

Choosing the Research Topic Focusing Developing a research question l Survey the research literature l Read the actual article, not just the abstract l What do you really want to know? l Is your interest relevant to the improvement of the quality of life for human beings? I. e. what are the implications of the research findings if the hypothesis is or is not confirmed? 43

Choosing the Research Topic Focusing Formulating questions l General question: as a blueprint that provides the direction for your research but they are not specific enough to be answered. l Specific question: derived from the general questions, directly related to the details of research procedures such as subject collection, data-collection & data-analysis. 44

Choosing the Research Topic Expansion of a small. Focusing set of questions Topic focus General Q 1 Specific Qs General Q 2 Specific Qs General Q 3 Specific Qs It is better to answer few questions thoroughly than many Qs superficially. 45

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered l Some fields of research involving empirical or descriptive research, the topic may be stated as a hypothesis. l E. g. Students composing on computers write differently than they do when composing by hand. l After…you may find this hypothesis is wrong. 46

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered 1: The task with which students are most familiar would be performed with the highest accuracy while… 2: The task which was most unfamiliar and difficult for subjects would generate language with the highest degree of complexity. 3: The task which was most familiar to subjects might be performed with the highest degree of fluency… 47

Choosing the Research Topic Problems in formulating questions No research idea: never expect your teacher to choose a topic for you Personal experience, attending conferences and talking with other researchers classify the questions to show the logical relationship between general and specific questions 48

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered Variable Is a term ascribed to the characteristic being investigated, and can take any value in a reasonable range. For example, blood group, blood pressure, age of patients being studied. Independent variable Dependent variable The variable which is assumed to determine the values of the dependent (response) variable. For example, blood pressure could be deemed to respond to changes in age. The variable which is assumed to respond to the values of the independent (explanatory) variable. For example, blood pressure could be deemed to respond to changes in age. 49

Choosing the Research Topic Factors to be considered Unit of Analysis Units of analysis are the persons, things, or events under study--the entities that we want to say something about. Frequently, the appropriate units of analysis are easy to select. 50

The Research Puzzle CORPORATE INFORMATION LIBRARY REPOSITORIES STUDENTS HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH FINANCE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUNDING BODIES RESEARCHERS 51

The Research Puzzle BENCHMARKING & DATA COMPLIANCE REPORTING ETHICS & SAFETY CONTRACTS RESEARCH QUALITY GRANTS RESEARCH HIGHER DEGREES R&D INNOVATION & IP RESEARCH OUTPUTS 52