Formulating and Clarifying Research Topics Objectives Generate ideas

Formulating and Clarifying Research Topics

Objectives • Generate ideas that will help in the choice of a suitable research topic • Identify the attributes of a good research topic • Turn research ideas into a research project with clear research question(s) and objectives.

Introduction • Alice asks the Cat “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to walk from here? ” • “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to, ” said the Cat • “I don’t much care where, ” said Alice • “Then it doesn’t matter which way you walk, ” said the Cat. (Alice’s Adventure in the Wonderland)

Introduction Formulating and clarifying research topics is: • A starting point of a research project • Time-consuming • Generating research ideas • Then turning them into research questions and objectives.

Attributes of a good research topic A good student graduation research: • Meet the examining body’s requirements • Linked to theory • Ensuring symmetry of potential outcomes • You are capable of undertaking – E. g. , You might not be able to develop a foreign language skills in a project’s life time – Capability is also affected by your ability to find the time and financial resources to undertake the research – Access to any data you might need to collect • One that excites your imagination. • Matching your career goals

Generating research ideas Rational thinking technique: • Examining your own strengths and interests • Looking at past projects • Discussion • Searching the literature.

Generating research ideas Creative thinking technique: • Keeping a notebook of ideas • Exploring personal preferences using past projects • Relevant trees • Brainstorming.

Refining research ideas Delphi technique – using a group of people who are either involved or interested in the research idea to generate and choose a more specific research idea: • Briefing the research idea • Encouraging group members to seek clarification or more information • Asking each group member to generate up to 3 specific research ideas independently • Collect the research ideas and distribute them to all group members • A second cycle of the process • Subsequent cycle of the process until a concensus is reached (voting if necessary).

Writing research questions Begin with one general focus research question which flows from your research idea. Examples: Research idea General focus research question The sponsorship of What benefit do commercial the city football club organizations derive from their sponsorship? The adoption of by Will do manufacturing companies manufacturing devide their workforces into “core” and companies of “peripheral” workers? “flexible workforces” Openning a handicraft shop Where does the shop locate?

Writing research questions Lead to several more detailed research questions or the definition of research objectives. Examples: General focus research question Detailed research question Job recruitment via the internet How effective is recruiting for new staff via the internet in comparison with traditional methods?

Writing research objectives Greater specificity than the research questions. Examples: Research questions Research objectives • Why have organizations introduced team briefing? • To identify organizations’ objectives for team briefing. • Has team briefing been effective? • To describe the extent to which the effectiveness criteria for team briefing have been met.

The importance of theory • ‘A formulation regarding the cause and effect relationships b/w two or more variables, which may or may not have been tested’ – If A is introduced, B will be the consequence – e. g. , Marketing manager may theorize that the introduction of loyalty cards by a supermarket will lead to customers being less likely to shop regularly at a competitor supermarket

Your project • • • Any Question? Starting point: research topics Preliminary study Brainstorming and discussions Resources needed Writing up the research proposal Approval and undertaking Defense and submission Celebration.

Good luck!